Explanations of Stratification Chapter 8 Section 2

Functionalist Theory of Stratification  According to Functionalists, stratification assures that the most qualified people fill the most important positions.  Inequality exists because certain jobs are more important than others and require special training.  Society rewards these important jobs with money and prestige.  According to Functionalists, stratification assures that the most qualified people fill the most important positions.  Inequality exists because certain jobs are more important than others and require special training.  Society rewards these important jobs with money and prestige.

Conflict Theory of Stratification  Inequality exists because some are willing to exploit others.  Stratification based on force.  Class struggles will exist because of lack of resources.  Based on Marx’s ideas.  Capitalists are outnumbered but control workers with their belief system.  Push ideas, beliefs, and values.  False consciousness: adoption of ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class.  Inequality exists because some are willing to exploit others.  Stratification based on force.  Class struggles will exist because of lack of resources.  Based on Marx’s ideas.  Capitalists are outnumbered but control workers with their belief system.  Push ideas, beliefs, and values.  False consciousness: adoption of ideas of the dominant class by the less powerful class.

Symbolic Interactionism and Stratification  People are socialized to accept the current structure.  Children taught that social class is a result of talent and effort.  Lower social class believe “They didn’t work as hard.”  Higher Social Class believe “They worked hard.”  People are socialized to accept the current structure.  Children taught that social class is a result of talent and effort.  Lower social class believe “They didn’t work as hard.”  Higher Social Class believe “They worked hard.”