4 - Stratification as the allocation of roles

Cards (8)

  • Davis and Moore (1945)

    Some form of stratification is present in all human societies. It is universal and necessary for survival and efficient functioning.
  • All societies require:
    1. All roles filled by the most capable of performing them
    2. They are performed conscientously
  • Some roles are more important so must be filled by the most able and talented. Yet there is a limited number of talented people in society.
  • Davis and Moore (1945) believe ability is inherited. The most able attracts promise of high rewards as a mechanism for people to fulfill roles well. This is a fairly universal agreement.
  • Criteria for allocation of roles:
    1. 'Specificness' of the role - highly specific roles can only be performed by a limited amount of people
    2. Degree of dependency - can society depend on this person to fulfill their duties
  • Justifies stratification as it is needed to solve the problems of allocating jobs to people.
  • Evaluation:
    • Lots of occupations can be seen as essential but are not highly rewarded e.g. nurses.
    • 'Essential' is a subjective concept.
    • Tumin argues is higher education and it's sacrifices not a privilege in itself? Why does university mean enhanced income and status?
    • Unequal rewards may be the product of inequalities in power, not just 'meritocratic principles'.
    • Dysfunctions of stratification are ignored like poverty as a major problem and has a negative impact on all forms of living, so do they have the 'fair' chance to climb the hierarchy?
  • Evaluation of Davis and Moore (1945):
    • Tumin argues stratification ignores the advantages of rich children in education through 'ascribed status' like private schools.
    • Although some social stratification does seem to be universal.
    • Ignores the impact of social class inequalities at all stages of the class system.