Structural Approach To Poverty Essay

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Three theoretical approaches of Poverty in America Structural-Functionalism The structural-functional approach of poverty in America is all levels of stratification (economic, social classes) contribute important parts of keeping societies stabilize. Stratification has positives. “Society must somehow distribute its members in social positions and induce them to perform the duties of these positions” (Davis and Moore, 1945). Kingsley Davis and Wilbert E. Moore came with their theory that stratification is key to a structured society. Various Jobs in society require a different level of education, experience, and skills that deserves a high economic reward system to be the most qualified. High-level expertise occupations (doctors, lawyers, CEO, etc.) motivates people to achieve higher occupations by offering high finical rewards for accomplishments. …show more content…

Poverty provides jobs in social science, social workers, journalist and poverty warriors” (Herbert Gans, 1972). Herbert Gans theory, poverty makes jobs to deal with the consequences of poverty. Stratification has people trying for the best jobs with high financial rewards in all levels of income. Poor people get look down upon as a “burden of society” working low-wage jobs at hard manual labor." Who are willing to do dirty, dangerous, difficult work that others refuse to do” (Gans 1972). A latent positive for the society isn 't intended, but very needed. However, the sociologist of today argue it’s economic inequality of important occupational workers underpaid (elderly residential nurses, teachers) vs. Individual title in nonessential roles (sports, entertainment) overpaid. Poverty has positive contributions in a functional sense but doesn’t have economic reward it deserves like people in higher stratification levels.

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