Talcott Parsons’ Theory of Social Stratification

Talcott Parsons’ Theory of Social Stratification

Talcott Parsons is a pioneer among functionalists. According to Parsons, stability and cooperation are essential for society. This is possible only when all the members of the society are of the same opinion about some values. Unless there is consensus regarding values, society will become disorganized. Values arise from shared beliefs, that is, the agreement of the members of the society. These values determine what is good and what is bad for the society.

In a society, those who work and behave in accordance with the values are given better rewards, those who do not behave in accordance with the values are punished. For example, in industrial society, the ability to earn more profit is given more importance. So the businessmen who earn more profit will get higher status. Those who do not earn more profits will get a lower status.

Thus, Parsons argues that the stratification system arises from the consensus of values. Value consensus is a part of all societies. Therefore, social stratification is essential for all societies. It is on the basis of values that the members of the society determine each other’s rank. It is on the basis of values that a person or group is placed higher and some lower. Values justify the differences found in the levels.

We can summarize Parsons’ theory as follows:

• Value consensus is an essential part of all societies.

• Social stratification is inevitable in all societies.

• The stratification system is considered fair, correct and appropriate to maintain order and stability in society. Due to this, different people get different rewards.

• There may be conflict between those who are rewarded and those who are not rewarded. But this does not pose any major threat to the existing system because the value system prevents this conflict.