Functional theory of stratification (Davis and Moore)

Functional theory of stratification formulated by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore. Davis and Moore explained that they consider social stratification as a universal and necessary. They argued that may not be stratified, completely classless society. Stratification, from their point of view, there is a functional necessity. All societies need this system, and this need gives rise to a system of stratification. In addition, they believed the system of stratification structure, noting that stratification refers not to the individuals in the system of stratification, and the role system. In the center of their attention was the question of how it is that certain positions have varying degrees of prestige, and not about how it happens that individuals take up certain positions.

Given this approach, we can formulate the main question of functionalism: how society motivates and pushes people into "correct" position in the system of stratification? It comes down to two issues: how society inspires the "right" individuals desire to occupy certain places? And if people take the proper places, as if society gives them the desire to fulfill the requirements of those positions?

Proper positions in society are problematic for three main reasons:

1) some places are more attractive than others.

2) some positions are more important than others for the survival of society.

3) different social positions require different abilities and talents.

Although these comments applied to all positions in society, Davis and Moore examined public positions that have a greater functional importance for the society. It is assumed that items highly ranked in the system of stratification, less attractive but more important for the survival of society and require the greatest capabilities and talents. In addition, society must complement these places are acceptable reward to enough people willing to occupy them, but individuals who actually take them, worked hard. The converse was implied, but not discussed by Davis and Moore. This refers to the assumption that lower positions in the stratification system more attractive, less important and require less ability and talent. The society also can care less about the fact that the individuals held these positions and performed their duties with diligence.

To ensure that the people occupy high-level positions, society from the point of view of Davis and Moore must provide these individuals a variety of rewards, including great prestige, high salary, and sufficient leisure. For example, to provide our society a sufficient number of doctors, we should offer them these and other rewards. Davis and Moore meant that we could not expect from people that they'll get through it "burdensome" and "costly" process of medical education, if not offered such rewards. Apparently, it is implied that the people at the top should reap the rewards you receive. Otherwise these Posts would remain unfilled or nedokomplekta, and society would have collapsed.