Theories of Social
Stratification
Functional Theory of
Social Stratification
Basic assumption:
Social inequality is universal,
therefore inequality must help
society survive
Aspects of Functionalism
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Society must make certain that all
roles are filled.
Some roles are more important than
others.
Some roles must be filled by more
qualified people.
To motivate more qualified people,
society must offer greater rewards.
Critics of functionalism
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Society does not provide equal access
to education and jobs.
Rewards do not always reflect the
“social values” of roles.
Conflict Theory of Social
Stratification
Basic assumption:
Social inequality results from the
constant struggle for scare resources.
Aspects of Conflict Theory
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From the struggle, winners (elite class)
and losers (lower class) emerge.
By exploiting the lower class, the elite
are able to maintain their dominance
in society.
Flaws in Conflict Theory
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Unequal rewards are based in part by
differences in talents and skills.
Desire to improve and motivation to
achieve play a role in mobility among
the classes.
Personal choice of the “payers” not
considered.