Inequalities
Functionalism New Right Marxism Neo Marxism
- Assume that society has - The New Right became in uential - Traditional, argues that social class - Work has been inspired by
functional pre-requisites that in the 1980s. New Right ideas strati cation exists due to con ict in Marx’s theories,
must be met if it is to survive evolved from political and society. This con ict is over resources - Have developed a distinct
- Interested in how the social economic ideas - Bourgeoisie and Proletariat approach of their own.
class strati cation system is Generally agree that economic
integrated with other parts of di erences are important in
society and how it helps to determining social class, but
maintain order and stability in argue that this is not the only
society. reason for social class
- Consensus strati cation existing.
Davis and Moore Saunders : in defence of inequality Marx Gramsci
- Argue that strati cation is a - Argues that inequality is necessary - This class con ict is based on the - Argued that owning the means of
permanent and universal feature in society in order to motivate production of goods and services, which production does not in itself
of all societies because it is individuals to ll the most Marx called the mode of production explain why the ruling class retain
functionally necessary important positions and to work - The means of production. These are the their power in society
- Societies have to make sure that hard. resources needed to produce goods such - In order to maintain its hegemony
the most important positions are - He does not agree with the as land, factories, machinery, raw it has to actively try to win
lled with the most talented Functionalists that inequality is materials etc. support from other members of
people. Therefore societies need inevitable, but sees it as necessary - The social relations of production. society as they cannot rely on
to o er such people high for the smooth and successful Resources are not enough on their own. false class consciousness to
rewards = Meritocracy - motivate running of society. You also need people to be organised to guarantee their position.
the gifted people to make - Britain is a meritocracy therefore make things. The relations of production - Members of the working class are
sacri ces in order to achieve the individuals who have talent and refers to the way in which roles and aware of their exploitation. Ruling
top positions. - work hard can become successful responsibilities are allocated among those class have to give concessions to
- Strati cation encourages all and earn a higher position in the involved in production. the working class in order to
members of society to wok to social class strati cation system. - The social relations of production between maintain their position
the best of their ability - Suggests that the inequality of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat are - Also places greater emphasis on
opportunity between classes found unequal, exploitative and create class di erences within classes as well
in capitalist societies is partly due con ict. Workers turn raw materials into as between classes, and argued
to inherited genetic ability goods through their labour and create that the ruling class exploit these
surplus value, but the bourgeoisie keep divisions in order to maintain
this surplus value ruling class hegemony.
- Creates divisions and con ict in society as
the bourgeoisie are trying to protect their
position and exploit the proletariat in order
to maintain the status quo
fi ff flfffififi
fi fifl fififl fl fl fl
Functionalism New Right Marxism Neo Marxism
- Assume that society has - The New Right became in uential - Traditional, argues that social class - Work has been inspired by
functional pre-requisites that in the 1980s. New Right ideas strati cation exists due to con ict in Marx’s theories,
must be met if it is to survive evolved from political and society. This con ict is over resources - Have developed a distinct
- Interested in how the social economic ideas - Bourgeoisie and Proletariat approach of their own.
class strati cation system is Generally agree that economic
integrated with other parts of di erences are important in
society and how it helps to determining social class, but
maintain order and stability in argue that this is not the only
society. reason for social class
- Consensus strati cation existing.
Davis and Moore Saunders : in defence of inequality Marx Gramsci
- Argue that strati cation is a - Argues that inequality is necessary - This class con ict is based on the - Argued that owning the means of
permanent and universal feature in society in order to motivate production of goods and services, which production does not in itself
of all societies because it is individuals to ll the most Marx called the mode of production explain why the ruling class retain
functionally necessary important positions and to work - The means of production. These are the their power in society
- Societies have to make sure that hard. resources needed to produce goods such - In order to maintain its hegemony
the most important positions are - He does not agree with the as land, factories, machinery, raw it has to actively try to win
lled with the most talented Functionalists that inequality is materials etc. support from other members of
people. Therefore societies need inevitable, but sees it as necessary - The social relations of production. society as they cannot rely on
to o er such people high for the smooth and successful Resources are not enough on their own. false class consciousness to
rewards = Meritocracy - motivate running of society. You also need people to be organised to guarantee their position.
the gifted people to make - Britain is a meritocracy therefore make things. The relations of production - Members of the working class are
sacri ces in order to achieve the individuals who have talent and refers to the way in which roles and aware of their exploitation. Ruling
top positions. - work hard can become successful responsibilities are allocated among those class have to give concessions to
- Strati cation encourages all and earn a higher position in the involved in production. the working class in order to
members of society to wok to social class strati cation system. - The social relations of production between maintain their position
the best of their ability - Suggests that the inequality of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat are - Also places greater emphasis on
opportunity between classes found unequal, exploitative and create class di erences within classes as well
in capitalist societies is partly due con ict. Workers turn raw materials into as between classes, and argued
to inherited genetic ability goods through their labour and create that the ruling class exploit these
surplus value, but the bourgeoisie keep divisions in order to maintain
this surplus value ruling class hegemony.
- Creates divisions and con ict in society as
the bourgeoisie are trying to protect their
position and exploit the proletariat in order
to maintain the status quo
fi ff flfffififi
fi fifl fififl fl fl fl
