Davis and Moore say social stratification exists in all societies, it is therefore what?

Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
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Davis and Moore say social stratification exists in all societies, it is therefore what?

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Introduction

The functionalist perspective suggests that social inequality is essential because it satisfies society's critical needs.

Kinsley Davis and Wilbert Moore developed one such functionalist view of social inequality, which became known as the "Davis-Moore Thesis." Functionalist stratification theory was first explored by the authors in 1945 in the paper, "Some Principles of Stratification," which appeared in the American Sociological Review and was later extended in Davis's book

Explanation

The functionalist perspective suggests that social inequality is essential because it satisfies society's critical needs.

Kinsley Davis and Wilbert Moore developed one such functionalist view of social inequality, which became known as the "Davis-Moore Thesis." Functionalist stratification theory was first explored by the authors in 1945 in the paper, "Some Principles of Stratification," which appeared in the American Sociological Review and was later extended in Davis's book.

Explanation

Davis and Moore claim that there is no non-stratified culture. The inequality, therefore, is universal. This universal essence of stratification would mean that inequality is evadable and necessary for society's smooth running. Then Davis and Moore set out to illustrate how society profits from discrimination. They presume that it is useful and so attempt to justify if it must be helpful.

Davis and Moore proposed the concepts, pattern of a stratified structure. There are:

  • The extent of specialization.
  • Feature of functional importance.
  • Size of the apparent variations.
  • Degree of opportunity and solidarity.

According to Davis and Moore, not all people have the same abilities. Others may have the most essential and appreciated characteristics at a specific historical moment, such as physical power, intelligence, or artistry. The other side of the assumption is that desired incentives are often reduced in size, either inherently or artificially. It loses its significance as a sign of dominance if everybody or everyone has it. However, it is in the interests of humanity that those with the best talents use their talent for the well-being of all. In return, citizens with lesser ability deserve more significant incentives in recognition, power, and material goods.

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