Explain the functional perspective on social stratification: The functional viewpoint on social stratification is a sociological theory that says that social stratification is an important and useful part of society.
From this point of view, social stratification is important because it helps make sure that the most skilled people are in the most important jobs.
Functionalists say that social stratification is important because it keeps people working hard and pushing for success, which is good for social order and security.
Social stratification is based on a system of rewards and punishments that pushes people to get the skills and knowledge they need to be in high-status positions in society and to work hard to keep those positions.
From a functionalist point of view, social stratification is also seen as a way to make sure that people with the most skills and abilities can add to society in the most useful ways. Society can be as efficient and productive as possible if the most capable people are in charge and in places of power.
On the other hand, people who disagree with the functionalist view of social stratification say that it doesn’t take into account the bad effects of social stratification, such as inequality, exploitation, and social strife. They say that social stratification can cause people and groups to compete for scarce resources and chances, which can lead to divisions and conflicts in society.
Critics also say that social stratification is usually based more on race, gender, and social class than on talent or ability. This means that social stratification can be unfair and discriminatory, leading some groups to be left out of positions of power and influence in society and to be on the outside.
In short, the functional viewpoint on social stratification says that social stratification is a necessary and useful part of society, but critics say that it ignores the bad effects of social stratification and the ways in which it can be unfair and discriminatory.