The functionalist view assumes that the different processes and structures in society exist because they serve important functions for the continuity and stability of society (Holmwood 1). According to this view, functional theorists in the field of sociology believe that stratification exists to serve important societal functions. Some jobs are more important than others while some jobs attract more people than others. However, to remain balanced, society must have stratification.
There are several problems with the functionalist approach to stratification. First, the functionalist approach assumes that the most important occupations are those with high incomes, while least important jobs have low incomes (Bowles 1). This is an incorrect assumption. This is because some people who earn low incomes are more important than those who earn very high incomes. For example, professional athletes earn more money than the president but that does not make them more important to the country than the president.
Secondly, the functionalist approach is based on meritocracy, where people are deemed more important to society because of their background, race, gender or financial status. This approach fails to highlight the fact that people end up in different jobs sometimes because of the opportunities that are available for them in life (Bowles 1). For example, some politicians are exposed to politics at an early age because their parents were politicians and had the money and influence to place them on the right track.
Thirdly, the functionalist theory does not justify the wide gap between the rich and the poor in different countries (Kerbo 234). People have to be promised higher incomes to choose careers that does not mean that those who do not make it to the “important” occupations should be paid low incomes.
Work Cited
Bowles, Douglas. "Toward an Integrated Theory of Social Stratification." American Journal of Economics and Sociology 72.1 (2013): 32-58. Print.
Holmwood, John. "Functionalism and Its Critics." Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) 2.1 (2010): 1-5. Print.
kerbo, Harold R. "Social Stratification." Sage Journal 2.3 (2006): 228-236. Print.
