SOSC 103DSocial Inequality in HK

Lecture 5: Causes of Inequality

- Functionalist Approach

L5: 20.09.06

Modern Theories of Stratification: Functionalist Approach

Important positions in society: - Greater functional importance - Limited number of talented people

Higher rewards for important positions:(i.e. Social Stratification)

- For their greater contribution- For the sacrifications they make

Motivation to take up important posts: Survival of Society- Motivated to receive the training - Working of the society- Motivated to perform the tasks - Maintain social order

L5: 20.09.06

Critique of the Functionalist Theory

• Differential Functional Importance

– No standard measure of importance and contribution

– Difficult to define and compare the importance

– Rewards of certain positions do not necessarily reflect their actual importance.

L5: 20.09.06

• Rewards = Importance?

L5: 20.09.06

Critique of the Functionalist Theory

False Meritocracy

– Are the most important position in society being occupied by the most able, most talented and most qualified people (?!)

Are the able, talented and qualified people occupying important positions in society (?!)

L5: 20.09.06

• False Meritocracy

– Who are the most able and qualified people? (how to define, who define)

– How are they being selected?

– Are all talented and able people have the same chance to receive training?

L5: 20.09.06

Critique of the Functionalist Theory• The Influence of Power and Wealth

– Rich and powerful people are those who define the rules of them game in our society

• e.g. Political Leaders• e.g. Cooperation's Owners

L5: 20.09.06

• The Influence of Power and Wealth– The rich and powerful people have unequal

assess to economic and cultural resources

– They could transmit their privilege from one generational to the next

» 虛報學歷 李澤楷公開認錯

L5: 20.09.06

Critique of the Functionalist Theory

• The Dysfunctions of Stratification- Inhibits the discovery of talent- Provides those at the top with the power to

justify their high position- Weakens the self-images among those at

the bottom

- Create hostility and disintegration

L5: 20.09.06

Tutorial 1• Stratification and Inequality (22nd Sept 2006)

Why is there social stratification? Why is there social inequality? What are the differences between social stratification and social inequality? Do you think inequality is inevitable in our society?

Readings:

• Davis, Kingsley and Wilbert Moore (2001) “Some Principles of Stratification,” in David Grusky (ed.) Social Stratification: Class, Race and Gender in Sociological Perspective (2/e), Boulder: Westview Press.

• Tumin, Melvin M. (2001) “Some Principles of Stratification: A Critical Analysis,” in David Grusky (ed.) Social Stratification: Class, Race and Gender in Sociological Perspective (2/e), Boulder: Westview Press.