what is the structural functional theory

The positions that carry the best reward and highest rank are those that are excessively important for society, and require greatest training or talent. Social inequality therefore ensures that “the most important positions are conscientiously filled by the most qualified persons.Hence every society, no matter how simple or complex, must differentiate persons in terms of both prestige and esteem, and must therefore possess a certain amount of institutionalized inequality” (Davis and Moore). They explained that unequal distribution rights and perquisites making for social inequality provides the motivation to people to perform duties associated with a given position and to achieve position that affords more prestige and esteem. Kinsley Davis and Wilbert Moor: They discussed the issues of functional necessity of stratification, determinants of positional rank, societal functions and stratification, and variation in stratified system at length. So According to Parsons- ‘Every society is based upon consensus in terms of norms and values’. This inevitability leads to inequality in distribution of power and prestige. These are often ranked higher in the social hierarchy and fetch greater rewards than others. Certain positions are functionally more important in society than others. Parsons explains that in a highly specialized industrial society, some people specialize in organization and planning while others follow their directives. Functionalists uphold that relationship between social groups in society is one of cooperation and inter- dependence.A successful business executive would be ranked above others in a society which values individual achievement while individuals who fight battles and wars would be ranked above others in a society which values bravery and gallantry. Individuals who conduct themselves in accordance with these values are ranked above others. Talcott Parsons believed that order and stability depends upon the value consensus in the society.The Structural- functionalist perspective seeks to explain social stratification in terms of its contribution to the maintenance of social order and stability in society.Relevance: Sociology: Paper I: Social Stratification

What is the structural functional theory