THEORY OF STRATIFICATION
MARX THEORY OF STRATIFICATION- He talked about primitive
communism .In the beginning there were no classes or stratification .But later the
surplus production in agriculture\private poverty came which lead to inequality
and classes.
BASIS OF STRATIFICATION-Marx was economic determinist this give rise to
economic inequality.
STRUCTURE OF STRATIFICATION- : Ancient (master/slave)
:Feudal (feudal lord/serf)
:Capitalism (bourgeoisie/proteriate )
CONSEQUENCE OF STRATIFICATION- Class struggle , socialism , communism.
CRITICISM- Inequality will increase in future as more capitalism give rise to
bureaucracy. He further says that conflicts will be there but revolution is a distant
possibility.
Also capital , labor, will decompose and middle class will emerge so there will be
high social mobility in future.
FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF STRATIFICATION
Talcott Parson’s theory-He says that every society has some consensus or norms
and values. Conformity is considered desirable. Society rewards those who fulfill
these norms.
STRUCTURE-According to him strata are made of rewards. This inequality give rise
to stratification. Parson says that people have different capabilities so people
evaluate themselves in terms of their ability to conform to the norms. Thereby
assuring themselves that they have been given position according to their ability .
CONSEQUENCE-:The consequence of theory of Parson’s view is that stratification
is inevitable, functional, universal.
MARX THEORY OF STRATIFICATION- He talked about primitive
communism .In the beginning there were no classes or stratification .But later the
surplus production in agriculture\private poverty came which lead to inequality
and classes.
BASIS OF STRATIFICATION-Marx was economic determinist this give rise to
economic inequality.
STRUCTURE OF STRATIFICATION- : Ancient (master/slave)
:Feudal (feudal lord/serf)
:Capitalism (bourgeoisie/proteriate )
CONSEQUENCE OF STRATIFICATION- Class struggle , socialism , communism.
CRITICISM- Inequality will increase in future as more capitalism give rise to
bureaucracy. He further says that conflicts will be there but revolution is a distant
possibility.
Also capital , labor, will decompose and middle class will emerge so there will be
high social mobility in future.
FUNCTIONALIST THEORY OF STRATIFICATION
Talcott Parson’s theory-He says that every society has some consensus or norms
and values. Conformity is considered desirable. Society rewards those who fulfill
these norms.
STRUCTURE-According to him strata are made of rewards. This inequality give rise
to stratification. Parson says that people have different capabilities so people
evaluate themselves in terms of their ability to conform to the norms. Thereby
assuring themselves that they have been given position according to their ability .
CONSEQUENCE-:The consequence of theory of Parson’s view is that stratification
is inevitable, functional, universal.
