In an attempt to better explain social stratification, Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore proposed a theory. The Davis-Moore thesis is about social stratification which the textbook defines as “a system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy” (Macionis, 2017, p. 215). This thesis states the importance of social stratification, even suggesting that it has valuable significance regarding how society functions. A key element of the Davis-Moore thesis is work positions. Many careers are straightforward and can be performed by anyone such as taking phone calls or working at a retail store. However, Davis and Moore emphasize that there are specific, complex jobs that only specific people can accomplish. These jobs could range
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Their thesis states that the more important a position is, the greater the reward of that position. In addition, the reward of money or fame encourages individuals to work towards a “successful” position with additional education. This creates a powerful cycle in which individuals continue to be motivated to put in the work to achieve positions where they are rewarded; consequently, then the positions help others in the society which leads more people to strive for greatness. Accordingly, this cycle promotes individuals to strive for higher …show more content…
Sociologist Melvin Tumin questioned if it is truly possible to evaluate the significance of a specific profession (Macionis, 2017, p. 216). The high pay of medical doctors could simply be from the actions of medical schools so that the amount is limited which therefore bring an elevated demand. In addition, is the money or rewards that specific individuals receive truly a reflection of how much they aided society as a whole. While medical professionals greatly benefit patients with their work, individuals like Floyd Mayweather who was the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2014 truly are not radically improving the conditions of life or society (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). The importance of position is subjective. Members of the United States military risk their lives for the benefit of society, but they are only paid a base salary of $22,000 with an addition of housing and food (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). However, one could argue that even though Mayweather is not risking his life for the betterment of his country, he is physically pushing his body to the extreme and putting himself and his health in danger for financial benefit. Another critique made by Tumin is that the Davis-Moore thesis dismisses how predestined things such as race or class can make it easier or more difficult to work towards an education (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). Privilege makes it possible for specific individuals to prosper without much effort. While
Their thesis states that the more important a position is, the greater the reward of that position. In addition, the reward of money or fame encourages individuals to work towards a “successful” position with additional education. This creates a powerful cycle in which individuals continue to be motivated to put in the work to achieve positions where they are rewarded; consequently, then the positions help others in the society which leads more people to strive for greatness. Accordingly, this cycle promotes individuals to strive for higher …show more content…
Sociologist Melvin Tumin questioned if it is truly possible to evaluate the significance of a specific profession (Macionis, 2017, p. 216). The high pay of medical doctors could simply be from the actions of medical schools so that the amount is limited which therefore bring an elevated demand. In addition, is the money or rewards that specific individuals receive truly a reflection of how much they aided society as a whole. While medical professionals greatly benefit patients with their work, individuals like Floyd Mayweather who was the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2014 truly are not radically improving the conditions of life or society (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). The importance of position is subjective. Members of the United States military risk their lives for the benefit of society, but they are only paid a base salary of $22,000 with an addition of housing and food (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). However, one could argue that even though Mayweather is not risking his life for the betterment of his country, he is physically pushing his body to the extreme and putting himself and his health in danger for financial benefit. Another critique made by Tumin is that the Davis-Moore thesis dismisses how predestined things such as race or class can make it easier or more difficult to work towards an education (Macionis, 2017, p. 217). Privilege makes it possible for specific individuals to prosper without much effort. While