The theoretical perspective on social stratification, as highlighted by the provided reference, suggests that it is a necessary and beneficial system for society.
This viewpoint, often associated with the functionalist perspective in sociology, argues that social stratification serves vital functions. According to this thesis (popularized by sociologists Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore), the uneven distribution of resources and rewards across different social positions is essential because it:
- Promotes Excellence and Productivity: By offering higher rewards (such as prestige, income, and power) for roles that are considered more important, difficult, or requiring special skills, stratification motivates individuals to strive for these positions. This competition and aspiration drive individuals to excel and be highly productive.
- Ensures Efficiency: The system helps ensure that the most capable and qualified individuals occupy the most crucial roles in society. This is seen as efficient because it maximizes the effective performance of essential functions.
- Provides Motivation: Knowing that achieving certain positions comes with greater benefits gives people "something to strive for," encouraging hard work, training, and dedication.
- Benefits Society as a Whole: The argument is that while individuals occupy different strata, the overall system works to the advantage of everyone. Even those in lower strata benefit from a well-organized, efficient, and productive society that results from this motivational structure. Everyone benefits "to a certain extent" from the functioning social order that stratification helps maintain.
Functionalist View in Detail
The core idea is that some societal roles are more functionally important than others, or require skills that are scarce or difficult to acquire. To ensure these vital roles are filled by the most qualified people, society must offer greater rewards. This differential reward system creates social stratification.
Think of it like this:
| Role in Society | Required Skill/Training | Functional Importance | Typical Reward (Functionalist View) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon | Extensive, difficult | High | High Income, Prestige, Power |
| Teacher | Significant | High | Moderate Income, Moderate Prestige |
| Manual Laborer | Moderate/Specific | Moderate | Moderate Income |
| Unskilled Worker | Minimal | Basic | Lower Income |
- Why it's necessary: Without higher rewards for the surgeon, fewer people would undergo the rigorous training needed, leaving important medical roles unfilled or filled by less competent individuals.
- How it promotes striving: The prospect of high income and prestige motivates bright individuals to pursue challenging paths like medicine or engineering.
- How it benefits society: Having highly skilled surgeons available benefits everyone in society by providing essential medical care.
This theoretical perspective posits that inequality, in the form of social stratification, is not merely an unfortunate outcome but a necessary mechanism that helps society function effectively by ensuring that critical roles are filled and performed competently.
