PAPER 2 SECTION B CLASS INEQUALITIES

Question 1

The main sociological explanations of social inequality and difference: • functionalism
• Marxism,

Question 2

2 FUNCTIONALIST ideas about social class (Parsons, Davis & Moore)

Answer 2

PARSONS
Idea: Value consensus is essential for a smooth, orderly society. It’s inevitable (so can’t be argued) and meritocratic (as the most talented individuals receive the highest awards.

Individuals who perform successfully in terms of society’s values will be ranked highly (ie doctors). So, class stratification is necessary for society to be healthy and stable.

DAVIS AND MOORE
Idea: Inequality is functionally necessary.

The meritocratic high rewards motivate gifted people ie surgeon pay.

Stratification is a permanent and universal feature of all societies because it is functionally necessary. Those at the top work the hardest and/or are talented.

Question 3

3 MARXIST ideas about

Question 4

3 NEW RIGHT ideas about social class inequalities