Distinguish between functionalist perspectives and conflict perspectives about social inequality in the U.S

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

According to sociologists Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore, inequality is not only
inevitable but also necessary for the smooth functioning of society.
The Davis-Moore thesis is summarized as follows: (1) all societies have important
tasks that must be accomplished and certain positions that must be filled; (2) some
positions are more important for the survival of society than others; (3) the most
important positions must be filled by the most qualified people; (4) the positions that
are the most important for society and that require scarce talent, extensive training, or
both must be the most highly rewarded; and (5) the most highly rewarded positions
should be those that are functionally unique (no other position can perform the same
function) and on which other positions rely for expertise, direction, or financing. The
Davis-Moore thesis assumes that social stratification results in meritocracy—a
hierarchy in which all positions are rewarded based on people's ability and credentials.
From a conflict perspective, people with economic and political power are able to
shape and distribute the rewards, resources, privileges, and opportunities in society for
their own benefit. Conflict theorists do not believe that inequality serves as a
motivating force for people; they argue that powerful individuals and groups use
ideology to maintain their favored positions at the expense of others. According to
conflict theorists, certain stereotypes suggest that wealthy people might be "smarter"
than others only in the sense of having "chosen" to be born to wealthy parents from
whom they can inherit assets. Conflict theorists also note that laws and informal social
norms support inequality in the United States. According to conflict theorists, the
reason inequality is growing in the United States partially lies in the concept of surplus
value—the value produced, or the profit created when the cost of labor is less than
the cost of the goods or services that are produced by the workers. Thus, surplus
value is created by the workers' labor power, which is bought and employed by
members of the capitalist and managerial classes, who work on behalf of the capitalist
class. When profits are made, they are either reinvested in the business or used for
the enrichment of members of the capitalist class, which includes wealthy
shareholders.