Assumes that social stability and order are the goals of society, and that social institutions work together to maintain this order. Structural functionalists believe that all social structures and norms are necessary for a functioning society. Structural functionalism views social change as an adaptive response to tension within the social system.
Social stratification – Davis and Moore’s functional theory of social stratification suggests that a hierarchy of positions is necessary and that those with high-level skills and abilities are most important to society’s functioning and survival and therefore should be rewarded with high prestige, status, salary and leisure time.
Quick criticism – Who determines what positions are most important to society’s functioning and survival? One could argue a doctor is important but what about a garbage collector? Do both of these positions ensure our functioning and survival? Why is one valued over the other? One could argue that a mother contributes to society’s functioning and its survival with high-level skills and abilities, yet this position is unpaid and does not come with leisure time. Does a professional athlete with high level skills and abilities rewarded with high prestige, salary, status and leisure time contribute to society’s functioning and survival?
Given what you had read here and in your text about these different concepts, think about your different roles and work positions or perhaps role and positions you may have in the future. Which theoretical perspective makes the most sense to you? What is an example from your own life? Do you have any additional criticisms?
Based on chapters 4,5,6,7
Make sure your initial written post meets the 150 word requirement and also make sure to engage with your classmates by posting a comment to their post in 50 words.
you can respond to this post in 50 words:
“Thinking about my current role/work position, I believe conflict theory makes the most sense to me because not only do I see it in my job, I see it everywhere. I’m currently an instructional aid at a middle school and I can definitely see the inequality happen among aids, teachers, administrators, and the principal. As an aid, I don’t get much of a say in what I believe is best for the students I work with which is unfair because I spend the most time with them and have a much better idea of what’s best for them. Sometimes, teachers want things done their way, and unfortunately I have to respect that because they are in a position that is superior than mine. Other times, teachers complain to me saying that administrators aren’t doing their part in correcting bad behavior among students, even when they do something really bad in the classroom, which I have witnessed myself. Oftentimes, I’ve seen administrators take the students’ side, even when it’s clear that they’re wrong, but since administrators have more authority, even though it’s unfair, they get to do as they please.”