Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Introduction
• All societies have hierarchies of positions (i.e.,
stratification) marked by unequal distribution of
resources.
• Prestige often is attached to higher positions
within this stratification structure.
• The ubiquity of stratification has given rise to the
assumption that there must be something
inevitable and functional about it.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
1. The functional argument that a certain hierarchy is
functional because it exists is a teleological one.
• Teleology: A supernatural explanation for
observed events. Not allowed in science.
2. It is difficult to know what is functional for society,
especially across time and space.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
3. The functional argument assumes no
discrimination and perfect social mobility.
4. The functional argument assumes that the
creation of the rules of society, which determine
functionality, always are created for the good of
the whole, rather than by and for the benefit of a
powerful elite.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
5. Human capital investment does not necessarily
involve the extent of sacrifice claimed by Davis
and Moore.
6. The functional argument places too much
emphasis upon material rewards as a motivation
to excel. Many other factors motivate persons to
achieve.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
7. The only items that any society must distribute
unequally are the power and property necessary
for the performance of different tasks. Prestige
and esteem need not follow this distribution of
resources.
8. Historically, every time power and property are
distributed unequally, prestige and esteem
differentials have resulted also.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
9. Historically, no systematic effort has ever been
made, under propitious circumstances, to develop
the tradition that each person is as socially worthy
as all other persons who perform their appropriate
tasks conscientiously.
10. While this thesis seems utopian, no known facts
in the social sciences have yet demonstrated its
impossibility or its dysfunctionality for the
continuity of society.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
What are the negative consequences of stratification?
• Social stratification limits discovery of talent.
• This limited discovery leads to limited possibilities
for innovation and positive change.
• Social stratification justifies exploitation by the
powerful elite.
• Social stratification systems unfairly distribute
ideological descriptions of right and wrong, good
and bad, favorable and unfavorable.
Some Principles of Stratification
Response by Melvin Tumin
Critique of the Davis and Moore Thesis
What are the negative consequences of stratification?
• Social stratification encourages hostility, suspicion,
lack of motivation, sense of not belonging, and
distrust among the various segments of society,
and thus limits the possibilities of extensive social
integration.