Davis-Moore's theory of stratification is a sociological theory proposed by Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore in 1945. The theory argues that social stratification, or the division of society into different levels based on wealth, power, and status, is a necessary and functional aspect of society. According to this theory, the most important and difficult jobs in a society are rewarded with higher status and financial rewards in order to encourage individuals to pursue these positions and perform them effectively.
INTRODUCTION
The theory argues that social stratification is not just a result of prejudice or discrimination, but instead serves an important function in society. Davis and Moore suggest that in order for society to function effectively, certain jobs and positions must be filled with individuals who are best suited and most capable of performing them. The theory asserts that the most important and difficult jobs in a society should be rewarded with higher status and financial compensation in order to motivate individuals to pursue these positions and perform them effectively.
EFFECTIVE ROLE ALLOCATION AND PERFORMANCE :
- ALLOCATION BASED ON MERIT AND ABILITY : Davis-Moore's theory argues that the allocation of roles in society should be based on merit and ability, rather than prejudice or discrimination.
- INCENTIVES FOR PERFORMANCE : The rewards associated with different roles serve as incentives for individuals to perform them effectively. This is because individuals are motivated to pursue roles with higher rewards, including higher status and financial compensation.
- ENCOURAGING EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE : By rewarding the individuals who fill the most important and difficult jobs with higher status and financial compensation, society is able to allocate roles effectively and motivate individuals to perform their jobs effectively.
- FUNCTIONING OF SOCIETY : The theory suggests that social stratification and effective role allocation are necessary for the functioning of society, as the most important and difficult jobs must be filled by individuals who are best suited and most capable of performing them.
MAIN PROPOSITIONS :
- NECESSITY OF SOCIAL STRATIFICATION : The theory argues that social stratification, or the division of society into different levels based on wealth, power, and status, is a necessary aspect of society.
- IMPORTANCE OF REWARDING IMPORTANT JOBS : The most important and difficult jobs in society should be rewarded with higher status and financial compensation in order to motivate individuals to pursue these positions and perform them effectively.
- MERIT-BASED ALLOCATION : Social stratification is based on merit and ability, not on prejudice or discrimination.
- INCENTIVES FOR PERFORMANCE : The rewards associated with social stratification serve as incentives for individuals to perform their jobs effectively.
CRITIQUE - DAVIS AND MOORE'S THESIS HAS BEEN CRITICISED ON THE FOLLOWING POINTS :
- OVERSIMPLIFICATION : Critics argue that the theory oversimplifies the complexity of social stratification and does not fully capture the intricate interplay of factors that contribute to social inequality. The theory assumes that rewards are based solely on merit and ability, but neglects the role of prejudice, discrimination, and power dynamics in shaping the allocation of jobs and rewards.
- UNEQUAL ACCESS TO RESOURCES : Critics argue that the theory overlooks the fact that access to education, resources, and opportunities is often unequal, which can limit individuals' ability to pursue the most important and rewarding roles in society. This can result in the unequal distribution of rewards, even if individuals have the same merit and ability.
- ROLE OF STRUCTURAL FACTORS : Critics argue that the theory does not fully account for the role of structural factors, such as cultural norms and institutional policies, in shaping the allocation of jobs and rewards in society. These factors can reinforce or challenge existing power dynamics and shape the opportunities available to individuals.
- UNJUST DISTRIBUTION OF REWARDS : Critics argue that the theory does not account for the possibility of unjust distribution of rewards and lack of reflection of merit or ability. In some cases, individuals may receive rewards based on factors such as their social connections, rather than their merit or ability.
These criticisms of Davis-Moore's theory suggest that social stratification is a more complex and nuanced phenomenon than the theory suggests, and that additional factors, such as prejudice, discrimination, and structural factors, must be considered in order to fully understand the role of social stratification in society.
CONCLUSION
Davis-Moore's theory of stratification provides a unique perspective on the role of social stratification in society. However, the theory has been subject to critique, as it oversimplifies the complexity of social stratification and overlooks the role of prejudice, discrimination, and structural factors in shaping the allocation of jobs and rewards.
Despite these criticisms, the theory remains an influential perspective in the field of sociology and provides a useful starting point for understanding the role of social stratification in society. It is important to consider both the strengths and limitations of the theory in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex and multifaceted phenomenon.