Structural Functional Perspective and Social Lecture 1 Inequality Structural Functional Perspective Part 1 Outline A What is Structural Functional Perspective B Main Features C Pioneers 1 August Comte 2 Herbert Spencer 3 Emile Durkheim 4 Talcott Parsons D Social Stratification A Structural Functionalism Structural Functionalism is a framework that sees society as a complex system It suggests that society is an integrated whole where both parts and whole are interdependent and functional B Main Features Society as an integrated whole Systematic Individuals are indispensable Temporary imbalances Dysfunctional elements leading to social integration and equilibrium Social change is evolutionary Social integration through legitimization of social economic and political structure Social stratification is good C Pioneers August Comte 1798 1857 Society as Organic Whole Individuals are functional Law of three stages A Theological stage B Metaphysical stage C Scientific stage Herbert Spencer 1820 1903 Social Organicism Social Darwinism Increase in size leading to increase in complexity and differentiation Differentiation in structure leading to differentiation in function C Pioneers Continued Durkheim 1858 1917 Social Organism Inter relationship of parts and the whole Talcott Parson 1902 1979 Socialization and Control Functional Imperatives Adaptation to environments Goal Attainment Integration Latency maintain patterns Social Differentiation and Social Inequality Part 2 Outline A Social Differentiation B Social Inequality and Social Stratification C Stratification Systems D The Dimensions of Social Stratifications in the U S E Gilbert and Kahl Model F Davis and Moore G Criticism A Social Differentiation Classification of individuals into socially recognizable groups Such classifications may be natural or manmade B Social Inequality and Social Stratification A system of ranking individuals in terms of their access to and possession of the things valued by their society C Stratification Systems 1 The Caste System Hindu Caste System Brahmans from mouth Khashtriyas from arms Vaisyas from thighs Shudras from feet Harijans outcastes C Stratification Systems Continued 2 The Estate System Nobility Clergy Peasants 3 Social Class System wealth education occupation D The Dimensions of Social Stratifications in the U S 1 Economic 2 Status Occupation Income Wealth Personal Prestige Association Socialization 3 Political E Gilbert and Kahl Model Capitalist Class 1 Upper Middle Class 14 Middle Class 30 Working Class 30 Working Poor 13 15 Underclass 10 12 F Davis and Moore on Social Inequality 1945 No society is classless Stratification is a functional necessity Certain positions are more important and require special talent skills and training Social systems develop mechanisms and provide means to assign occupational positions Motivation to succeed G Criticism Functional significance is a cultural phenomenon Structural inequality leading to unequal access to resources Stratification leads to status quo Development of favorable self images Produces conflict rather than integration in society Melvin M Tumin