Socioeconomic Stratification through Davis and Moore's Functional Theory

Today we classify people into groups based on their shared socio economic conditions, or interpersonal set of inequalities. When people are classified into these groups, greater status, power or certain privileges are granted to some and not to others. This is known as social stratification. This concept illustrates the advantages and disadvantages that one will acquire; depending on how qualified an individual is, in order to meet the needs of society. Although, Davis and Moore’s theory demonstrates how social stratification and inequality are positively functional and therefore necessary, it is relevantly important because it encourages people to take on the more complicated and important tasks, when basic rewards are given to the most skillful and qualified individuals.

Davis and Moore’s functional theory is a systematic demonstration that shows the classification of individuals into groups based on their shared socio-economic conditions. It is both positively useful and necessary, although displaying another aspect of inequality. The theory clearly points out that “the functional view of social stratification as necessary, to meet the needs of complex social systems” (Kerbo, 2012:120). From this we can understand that the theory shows that by grouping individuals based on their socio economic conditions, it exposes the various inequalities within society, yet proves to be necessary. The talents and skills of individuals are considered a tool according to the Davis and Moore’s theory. For this reason, it ensures that one’s skill will make them suitable for a position in society. To better understand this, we must understand Davis and Moore’s seven point labor and market theory to see the distinguishing factors, for example, ...

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.... A critique focused on the degree of inequality is when the positions are determined to be “more important” because of the title that the position holds. For example; because a dentist makes over a certain amount of money than the average teacher, we cannot assume that the dentist is twice as more important than the teacher. However, looking at Davis and Moore’s theory and the degree of inequality towards the amount of inequality can be dysfunctional to society. This critique focuses on how high inequality limits the possibility of talent being recognized in society, because of unfair access. Examples of some resources are recruitment, openness to training facilities or even a reward for motivation.

Works Cited

hhhKerbo. Harold. Social Stratification and Inequality: Class Conflict in Historical and Comparative Perspective, Eighth Edition. McGraw-Hill.