structural functional conflict and symbolic interaction theories

Structural functional conflict and symbolic interaction theories professional#

In 1953, Melvin Tumin argued that it does not explain inequalities in the education system or inequalities due to race or gender. Many scholars have criticized the Davis-Moore thesis. Other work, like designing a highway system or delivering a baby, requires immense skill limiting the number of people qualified to take on this type of work. Therefore, most people would be qualified for these positions.

Certain jobs, such as cleaning hallways or answering phones, do not require much skill. They noted that the more skill required for a job, the fewer qualified people there would be to do that job. Davis and Moore believed that rewarding more important work with higher levels of income, prestige, and power encourages people to work harder and longer.ĭavis and Moore stated that, in most cases, the degree of skill required for a job determines that job’s importance. Without the incentive of higher pay, better benefits, and increased respect, why would someone be willing to rush into burning buildings? If pay levels were the same, the firefighter might as well work as a grocery store cashier and avoid the risk of firefighting. The cashier position does not require similar skill and training level as firefighting. Qualified people who fill those positions are rewarded more than others.Īccording to Davis and Moore, a firefighter’s job is more important than, for instance, a grocery store cashier’s job. Certain tasks in society are more valuable than others (for example, doctors or lawyers). The theory posits that social stratification represents the inherently unequal value of different work. In 1945, sociologists Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore published the Davis-Moore thesis, which argued that the greater the functional importance of a social role, the greater must be the reward.

What is the function of social stratification? According to functionalism, different aspects of society exist because they serve a vital purpose. In sociology, the functionalist perspective examines how society’s parts operate. Social stratification takes on new meanings when it is examined from different sociological perspectives-functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. Functionalists will examine the purpose of such high salaries, conflict theorists will study the exorbitant salaries as an unfair distribution of money, and symbolic interactionists will describe how players display that wealth. In sociology, even an issue such as NBA salaries can be seen from various points of view. Even within specific fields, layers are stratified, members are ranked, and inequality exists.

Stephen Curry, a Golden State Warriors guard, is one of the highest paid athletes in the NBA, earning around $43 million a year (Sports Illustrated 2020), whereas the lowest paid player earns just over $200,000 (ESPN 2021). For example, the Toronto Raptors hands out the lowest annual payroll, while the New York Knicks reportedly pays the highest.

Structural functional conflict and symbolic interaction theories professional#

Apply functionalist, conflict theory, and interactionist perspectives on social stratificationīasketball is one of the highest-paying professional sports and stratification exists even among teams in the NBA.By the end of this section, you should be able to: