Explanations for patterns of inequality

Functional Theory Explanation

Functionalists see social inequality as necessary for the smooth functioning of society. They believe that rewards and privileges are allocated based on individuals’ contribution to society.
The Davis and Moore theory proposes that society must somehow distribute its members in social positions and induce them to perform the duties of these positions. This requires certain rewards varying in amount such as income, prestige and leisure.
Criticisms of this theory point out that it is difficult to measure an individual’s contribution to society, and that wealth does not always correlate with societal value.

Marxist Explanation

Marxists view patterns of inequality as a result of the class struggle that exists in capitalist societies between the bourgeoisie, or owners of the means of production, and the proletariat, or working class.
They believe that inequality is present because the bourgeoisie exploit the working classes by paying them less than the value of their labour.
Critics of this approach argue that Marxists often overlook other forms of inequality such as gender and ethnicity, focusing too exclusively on economic factors.

Weberian Explanation

Weberians believe that class is just one factor that explains inequality, along with status and power.
In Weber’s view, society is stratified along multiple dimensions. While wealth can create inequality, things such as prestige or lack of prestige (status), and the ability or inability to influence others (power), also contribute to social inequality.
Weber’s approach is often praised for its multi-dimensional perspective, however, it is criticised for not paying enough attention to the role of capitalism as a source of inequality.

Feminist Explanation

Feminists consider gender to be a fundamental cause of inequality. They believe that society is structured in ways that disadvantage females, creating patterns of inequality.
Radical feminists argue that the root cause of inequality lies in patriarchy, a system where men hold primary power and women are largely excluded from it.
Critics say feminist theories often overlook the many ways that women’s lives have improved, and do not always account for other variables that can lead to difference in outcomes such as class and ethnicity.

Postmodern Explanation

Postmodernists argue that modern societies are increasingly characterised by diversity and difference, hence there are multiple, intersecting inequalities, not just based on class, but on factors like ethnicity, gender and age.
They suggest patterns of inequality are constantly shifting and changing in complex ways due to fragmented, pluralistic nature of postmodern society.
Critics argue that postmodernists exaggerate the importance of cultural factors and ignore the power struggles rooted in the structure of society (like class conflict identified by Marxists).