Discuss two most prominent Influential theories of stratification.
Equilibrium
Theory of Social Stratification: All such social theorists
who accept the existing social order are popular called “Equilibrium Theorists”
or "Structural Functionalists” or "Integration Theorists”. They place
stress on "order within a society” as well as the prom by which the
"order is maintained".
Society
is viewed as an organism. It is held that all organisms seek to perpetuate
themselves. It is asserted that society seeks a balance, integration, a
consensus and a synthesis of its all parts or sections.
The
assumptions of the Equilibrium Theorists can be summarized as follows:
(i)
Society is a relatively persistent and stable structure of elements.
(ii)
Society is a well-integrated structure of elements.
(iii)
Every element has a function in society. It makes a contribution to the
maintenance of the social system.
(iv)
Every functioning social structure is based on a set of accepted values of its
members. There is a general consensus behind these values.
While
explaining social stratification, the structural-functionalists argue that
there are certain essential tasks that are to be performed in each society.
Knowledge and responsibility are distributed unequally in the society. In this
condition, the society has the need to attract, competent persons to the
functionally essential positions.
It
makes it essential for the society to provide motivation to accept the unequal
rewards system. Those with greater knowledge and responsibility tend to get the
most out of their qualities. Such persons get higher rewards and positions.
They are socially recognized as worthy of higher prestige and rewards. The
society, therefore, always works and maintains itself as a stratified social
system.
(v)
Conflict Theory of Social Stratification: The Conflict
Theory takes a different view of society. It views stratification as me result
of a differential distribution of power in society in which coercion,
domination and exploitation are the key processes.
Major
assumptions of the Conflict Theorists are:
(a)
Every society is consistently subject to processes of change.
(b)
Every society displays some dissensions and conflicts
(c)
Every element in a society contributes towards its integration adaptation and
change.
(d)
Every society is based on the coercion of some of its members on others.
Conflict
theorists view stratification in terms of individuals and sub-groups within a
society. They argue that inequality exists in society because there is always a
shortage of valued goods and services.
Therefore,
there is always a struggle over who shall get what Inequality results because
valued social positions are attained not by talent or ability but by force and
coercion. These are also inherited by birth or by dominance exploitation or
coercion.
Thus
the conflict Theory seeks to explain, social stratification in terms of the
presence of conflict and coercion in society.
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