Paper 2 Question 6: Evaluate Functionalist views that class inequalities are functional for society. (20 marks, 25mins).
This essay will evaluate the Functionalist views which state that class inequalities are functional for society. It will do this by outlining Functionalist theory on class inequalities and then the essay will evaluate the use of Marxism, Feminism, Symbolic Interactionism and Postmodernism. These will be used to compare and contrast conceptually with functionalism. Class inequality or otherwise known as social inequality is the existence of rewards and unequal opportunities for different statuses or social positions within a society. Functionalism states that class inequalities are inevitable and are positive for …show more content…
It says that there is polarisation between two classes: proletariat (subject or working class) and bourgeoisie (ruling class). A key idea in Marxism is that inequality is the consequence of economics or economically determined where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer - there will always be a division as the classes are fixed. Marxism is a macrocosm. Functionalists would argue that the bourgeoisie are not the unified dominating group that Marxists say they are. Marxism is the collective understanding of Marx’s theories about economics, politics and society, he stated that “In bourgeois society capital is independent and has individuality, while the living person is dependent and has no individuality.” Marxism ignores the micro level and believes in upward social nobility - the ability of individuals to move upward or downward in status based on the social …show more content…
Feminists believe that equality can be achieved by the introduction and reform of laws that promote equality. In employment the segregation of the labour market prevents women from getting to the top. Inequalities exist due to the lack of education and information that allows traditional anti-women practices to continue. Feminism encourages women to accept inequalities and compete within that framework for jobs and university places, it also has been responsible for identifying basic legal inequalities but the reform of laws has only limited practical effect, women for example still earn on average less than men. Feminism is a reactive approach so it starts from a view of society that already exists. Feminist Oakley argue that women should have a greater say in their own health such as childbirth and
This essay will evaluate the Functionalist views which state that class inequalities are functional for society. It will do this by outlining Functionalist theory on class inequalities and then the essay will evaluate the use of Marxism, Feminism, Symbolic Interactionism and Postmodernism. These will be used to compare and contrast conceptually with functionalism. Class inequality or otherwise known as social inequality is the existence of rewards and unequal opportunities for different statuses or social positions within a society. Functionalism states that class inequalities are inevitable and are positive for …show more content…
It says that there is polarisation between two classes: proletariat (subject or working class) and bourgeoisie (ruling class). A key idea in Marxism is that inequality is the consequence of economics or economically determined where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer - there will always be a division as the classes are fixed. Marxism is a macrocosm. Functionalists would argue that the bourgeoisie are not the unified dominating group that Marxists say they are. Marxism is the collective understanding of Marx’s theories about economics, politics and society, he stated that “In bourgeois society capital is independent and has individuality, while the living person is dependent and has no individuality.” Marxism ignores the micro level and believes in upward social nobility - the ability of individuals to move upward or downward in status based on the social …show more content…
Feminists believe that equality can be achieved by the introduction and reform of laws that promote equality. In employment the segregation of the labour market prevents women from getting to the top. Inequalities exist due to the lack of education and information that allows traditional anti-women practices to continue. Feminism encourages women to accept inequalities and compete within that framework for jobs and university places, it also has been responsible for identifying basic legal inequalities but the reform of laws has only limited practical effect, women for example still earn on average less than men. Feminism is a reactive approach so it starts from a view of society that already exists. Feminist Oakley argue that women should have a greater say in their own health such as childbirth and