Functionalism&Inequality

Functionalism&Inequality

1. Meritocracy

   • In a meritocracy society people are rewarded for their talent and ability, A society where Social positions are achieved by Merit..........
     • ... Such as Educational Qualifications, Talent or Skill and Social class, Gender, Ethnicity etc are seen as less significant.
       • Evidence that that Society is Meritocratic - People from Lower class achieve higher status through talent E.g. Sir Alan Sugar Evidence society is not meritocratic-  Intelligent and talented people are still being judged due to their Ethnicity, Gender , Social Class etc People born into richer families get more Opportunities 

2. Functionalist see society like a human body so different parts of society are like different organs. Each Part plays an essential role ...

   • .. for it to survive as a whole. As long as each parts does their job everything runs smoothly

3. Funtionalism&Inequaliy inGender

   • Functionalist say Men&Women naturally have different roles in society. Women play the 'Caring' role where as Men play the 'Practical' role
     • They say These differences are ascribed at birth and help society run Smoothly, Ann Oakley criticises this view and says Gender roles are ....
       • .... Socially constructed and not biologicaly ascribed

4. Functionalism&Inequality in Age

   • Age has become more important in Modern society and Provides the function of Social integration
     • Old age is seen as a time of isolation and loneliness and receiving pensions means a drop in social status and being cut of from mainstream society.

5. Functionalism&Inequality in Class

   • Having a System that ranks people in hierarchy performs a functions in society. Functionalist believe that having a hierarchy of social classes ...
     • ... (A) helps us identify the most important and highly thought of jobs in society which are at top of the hierarchy.
       • ....(B) Allows society to reward those performing the important roles through pay and prestige
         • .... (C) Helps us strive to achieve our best in order to move up the hierarchy and a social system which is open allows social mobility between ....
           • classes so that the most talented people are given the opportunity to get the most vital roles.