KEY VOCABULARY Two extremes of the debate FUNCTIONALISM
KEY VOCABULARY Two extremes of the debate FUNCTIONALISM vs. -Argues that current social system benefits all members of society - Sees society as meritocratic MARXISM -Argues that society is “set up” to benefit the bosses at the expense of the workers - Views ‘meritocracy’ as a myth
Marx on Class►For Marxists, the system we live in (which he called capitalism) divides everyone into two basic classes; bosses and workers. ►Marx called the bosses the Bourgeoisie or ruling class (because they controlled society), and the workers he called the proletariat.
Marxism
? THINKING AHEAD… Considering the two theoretical stances on stratification. In your own words identify and briefly explain two ways in which Functionalism and Marxism differ. ?
Marxist argue that, whilst capitalist societies like Britain create the illusion that social mobility is possible, it is actually quite rigidly closed. In reality, Marxists argue that our society is highly unequal and if you are poor getting to the top of society is virtually impossible. However they argue that because the rich and powerful control the media they use this power to promote a ‘myth of meritocracy’. http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Wb. RAp. O 3 k_Jo
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? RECAP What is ‘inequality’ and ‘stratification’? How can we distinguish between different types of stratification system? NEXT LESSON… Poverty ?
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