Functionalist

• Parsons - Value consensus & stratification:

  Inequality is not accidental in a meritocratic society. It is something that is systematically generated by the way society is structured. In Modern society, individuals who create wealth and jobs deserve the highest rewards, as they contribute to the running of society.
• Davis & Moore - Principles of social stratification:

  The main function of social stratification is to ensure:

  1. Effective role allocation: important positions in society are filled with the most able people by offering higher rewards.
  2. Performance: People in these roles perform them to the highest standards, so it is important to motivate them.
• Davis & Moore: We can tell which positions are most important by:

  1. Functional uniqueness - only one or small number of people can complete the position
  2. Degree of dependance of others - Individual is dependant on no one else above themselves.
  3. Scarcity of personnel - Shortage of people with the innate ability to fulfill the position
• Davis & Moore - Higher rewards are needed to motivate people to undergo the long training needed for top jobs.