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Unlock This CourseWhile functionalists like Davis and Moore argue that stratification serves a positive purpose in society, other sociologists have developed different perspectives that challenge this view. These alternative theories provide critical insights into how and why societies are divided into layers or strata.
Key Definitions:
Functionalists like Davis and Moore argue that stratification is necessary and beneficial for society because:
Critics argue that functionalist theory:
Karl Marx viewed stratification very differently from functionalists. Rather than seeing it as necessary and beneficial, Marx saw stratification as a system of exploitation that serves the interests of the powerful.
Marx argued that society is divided primarily into two main classes:
The small group who own the means of production (factories, businesses, land). They:
The majority who must sell their labour to survive. They:
According to Marx, this class division creates class conflict - the ongoing struggle between these groups with opposing interests. The bourgeoisie want to maximise profits by paying workers as little as possible, while workers want better pay and conditions.
Marx argued that many working-class people accept their exploitation because of 'false consciousness' - they've been led to believe the system is fair and natural. For example, a factory worker might blame immigrants for low wages rather than questioning why company owners keep most of the profits. Modern examples include how some low-paid workers vote for political parties that favour tax cuts for the wealthy rather than stronger workers' rights.
Max Weber agreed with Marx that economic factors were important, but argued that stratification is more complex and involves three dimensions:
Economic position based on:
Social prestige and honour:
Political power and influence:
Weber's approach helps explain why some people might be high in one dimension but low in others. For example, university professors often have high status (prestige) but moderate wealth, while some wealthy business owners might have money but lack social respect.
Feminist sociologists argue that traditional theories of stratification (both functionalist and Marxist) largely ignore gender as a crucial dimension of inequality.
Feminist perspectives highlight how:
Despite equal pay legislation, women in the UK earn on average about 15% less than men. This gap exists because: women are concentrated in lower-paid sectors (occupational segregation); they're more likely to work part-time due to caring responsibilities; they face discrimination in hiring and promotion; and traditionally 'female' work is undervalued. This demonstrates how gender remains a significant factor in stratification even in modern societies with formal equality.
Developed by Black feminist scholars like Kimberlé Crenshaw, intersectionality examines how different aspects of identity (like class, race, gender, disability and sexuality) interact to create unique experiences of privilege or disadvantage.
Intersectionality shows that:
A working-class Black woman might face:
On inequality: Necessary and beneficial
On change: Gradual evolution as society's needs change
Focus: How stratification helps society function
On inequality: Exploitative and harmful
On change: Revolutionary overthrow of capitalism
Focus: Economic conflict and power
On inequality: Complex and multi-dimensional
On change: Reform through rational action
Focus: Multiple sources of inequality
These different perspectives give us tools to analyse real-world issues of inequality:
Functionalist explanation: Educational differences reflect natural variations in ability and effort; the system rewards those who work hard and have talent.
Marxist explanation: Schools reproduce class inequality by preparing working-class children for working-class jobs while giving middle-class children advantages.
Feminist explanation: Gender stereotypes and biases affect subject choices and career paths, leading to gender segregation in the workforce.
Intersectional explanation: Educational outcomes are shaped by the complex interaction of class, race, gender and other factors, creating different barriers for different groups.
No single theory can fully explain the complex reality of social stratification. By understanding different perspectives, we can:
The debates between these perspectives continue to shape how sociologists understand inequality today and how societies approach issues of fairness, opportunity and social justice.