SOC263H5 Lecture : Lecture #4-Functional Theories of Inequality
Document Summary
This theory recognizes that society has become heterogeneous (different). They believe that the complexity of society isn"t a negative feature, and they argue that this increasing difference in society can form new connections between people (new form of social solidarity). They think of society as a human body (biological analogy). like a human body requires a healthy body, heart, liver, brain, etc to function properly, society needs interrelated institutions to function properly. Social inequality is a functional part of society and keeps everything working the way that it should. Social institutions, even if they promote inequality, will continue to grow this way: ex ante reasoning (an event that comes before that is a functional requirement that must be performed if any society is to continue) religion in society religion exists in society because it serves to integrate people.
