Answer to Question #191004 in Sociology for Princess

Question

Using the conflict, functionalist and symbolic interactionist perspectives, explain with suitable illustrations, the inevitability and universality of social stratification and deviance.

Answer 1

Social stratification is the allocation of people and groups according to various social structures of varying power, status a d prestige. however, social stratification takes a different meaning when it is defined from different sociological philosophies like conflict theory, functionalism theory, and symbolic interaction.

 Sociological thinkers like Davis and Moore 1945 defined social stratification based on the functionalism concept stating that certification is necessary and inevitable since it influences people to work hard and attain special professional, skills, and intelligence to fit in the most substantial jobs in society. For example, the role of a professional lawyer is vital and skillful than that of police offers.

According to Karl Marx's conflict perspective, social stratification is a result of unequal distribution of resources and opportunities in the society as well as discrimination and prejudice against helpless groups such as the poor, women, and color. Moreover, Karl Marx emphasizes that the ruling class shapes and even controls the societies to maintain the existing order and block any possible chances for the poor to question the ideas. Thus the social stratification is neither necessary nor inevitable.

Based on the Thorstein Veblen 1899 to 1953, the symbolic interaction affects peoples lifestyles, beliefs, understanding, and daily interaction. Nevertheless, symbolic interaction does not explain why social stratification exists but rather it validates how social stratification affects people's lifestyle and their relationships with others.