Functionalist Stratification the Theory of Thesis

Using an example of engineers vs. unskilled laborers at a factory, Tumin asserts that while the unskilled laborers might appear more dispensable, over time their functions are just as vital to the operation of the factory, reducing Davis and Moore's claim to a fantasy world removed from the realities of forward-moving time (Tumin, 1953). The main problem with such a justification, however, is that functional importance is determined by the society after stratification, and the system will necessarily uphold its already present system of stratification and assigned importance values, thus perpetuating the status quo regardless of societal benefit (Tumin, 1953). Tumin goes on to point out other flaws with the functional stratification theory, but the main flaw he sees is its perpetuation of the status quo without real consideration (Tumin, 1953).

The theory of functional stratification is closely linked to that of meritocracy. John Andersen claims that meritocracy, a system whereby reward is based solely on performance, is an elusive aim of the functional stratification theory that is in fact totally unrelated to the growing power elite in the world (Andersen, 1999).Ostensibly, functional stratification operates as an automatic meritocracy, giving more rewards to those with more talent or more sacrifice in training. Tumin points out, however, that this "training" (in the form of higher education) most always comes at the expense of the parents, and thus seeing the rewards of better employment as payment for the student's sacrifice is untenable (Tumin, 1953). Andersen agrees, believing that the solidarity and protectionism of the elite classes has more to do with the way modern society is run than any system of meritocracy (Andersen, 1999).

References

Andersen, J. (1999). "Post-industrial solidarity or meritocracy?" Acta Sociologica, 42 (4), pp. 375-85.

Davis, K. And Moore, W. (1945). "Some principles of stratification." Reprinted in Wealth and poverty in America, Dalton Conley, ed. New York: Blackwell, 2003.

Tumin, M. (1953). "Some principles of straification: A critical analysis." Reprinted in Social Stratification, David Grusky, ed. Boulder: Westview Press, 2001.

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