Davis and Moore - Assignment Example

Harris Kamran Sociology Assignment 17 30 July Assignment 17 Davis & Moore According to Davis and Moore, some positions in a society require a certain skill set or a certain degree of training and education, which only a select few possess. Similarly, the talents that are required for certain positions are not widely available in the society. Moreover, some positions are so demanding that only few individuals tend to venture towards them (Davis and Moore). Davis & Moore: 2: The present say social structure stems from the ideology that is presented by the pertinent hypothesis; however, it has worsened and deteriorated to the extent that now it can no longer be justified by this hypothesis, as it completely focuses on sustaining the elite. Dasvis & Moore: 3: Tumin argues that social stratification is dysfunctional for a variety of reasons, for instance, it does not permit the exposure of all individuals to equal opportunities, so their talents are left undiscovered, it focuses on the needs of a selected few, it does not merit equal membership in society, it does not result in equal loyalty towards society, and it does not give everyone equal psychological rewards. Eglitis: 1: The argument I like the best is the one about “brain drain” (Eglitis), which is the way the talented and educated individuals from the underdeveloped countries migrate to the West in order to seek employment and a use for their talents (Eglitis). This is interesting because it often goes unnoticed, while it has a huge impact on the social strength of the underdeveloped countries. Eglitis: 2: The argument is weak in the regard that it does not care to present the opposing view of the thesis. It is fairly biased as it simply focuses on the way the underdeveloped countries are being exploited, without considering any benefits that they may be receiving in the process. Eglitis: 3: It could be said that the developed countries do help out the poor states, as has been hinted in some points of the argument. For instance, there are more job opportunities in the poor countries due to outsourcing, the companies are shifting their manufacturing to the underdeveloped countries, and the rich feel good when they help out now and then through their altruistic practices (Eglitis). Mills: 1: According to Mills, the three institutions that form the “interlocking triangle” are the government, the corporations, and the military, in other words, politics, economy, and power. These three are the most powerful because they not only effect every other institution in the country, but also complement and sustain each other (Mills). Mills: 2: The distribution and the existence of a power elite is not because of the people, but because of the institutions, since the institutions shape and effect the individuals according to their needs and requirements, and every rich, famous, and powerful individual needs to have a connection with one of the three institutions in order to be rich, famous, or powerful (Mills). These institutions create the kind of people they need. Mills: 3: Although the United States does not have an aristocratic history, and so it could be inferred that there is no power hierarchy in the country, this concept is false since it does not mean that there is equal distribution of power (Mills). The hierarchy does exist, it is only less visible than in aristocratic societies (Mills). Wilson: 1: According to Wilson, the primary cause of inner-city decline is joblessness, which gives rise to all the other social menaces. This differs from the commonly accepted notions which hold that the ghetto-culture stems from the upbringing and attitudes of the residents of the inner-city who do not want to work and just want to spend their time loitering about (Wilson). Wilson: 2: The rampant unemployment and joblessness in the inner-city has given rise to a vicious circle that has led to the loss of even more jobs and has created the ghetto-culture (Wilson). The unemployed young men spend all their time in drugs and crime, and so have lost the trust and confidence of many employers (Wilson). Their mannerisms are not accepted by the working middle-class, which has shied away from the city life over the years. Most inner-city dwellers are now simply dependent on public aid (Wilson). Wilson: 3: Wilson offers solution in the form of a better education system, child-care support, the interaction and partnership between the city and suburban businesses, and the reinstallation of the Works Progress Administration. These solutions are worthwhile and important because they focus on the better training and grooming of the children, along with their welfare and medical care, and the smooth transition between education and employment, which can lead to better avenues in both the public and private sectors, thus improving the inner-city life and its associated culture and image (Wilson). Newman: 1: According to Newman, the single most important reason for the youngsters to start working is to avoid the street life, and the crime and dangers that it brings with itself. Also, they want to be self-reliant, especially the women, so that they can be independent and free of the worries of their men leaving them stranded (Newman). Newman: 2: One of the most significant qualities that an accepted applicant has is work experience. This is mostly due to the summer youth programs that they have attended (Newman). It also gives them good reviews and shows the employers that they are serious about work. Also, the kind of dress they wear on the interview day, and the language that they use, along with their general demeanor, all effects the way the employer thinks about them (Newman). Newman: 3: The summer jobs provide an opportunity for experience for the young applicants who can thus gain an edge over their peers when applying for future jobs. They not only gain experience, but also learn vital lessons such as work ethics, the motivation to be good at their jobs, the habits and behavior required to keep a job, and many other such grooming tactics (Newman). They also learn to appreciate the value of the jobs that they have. Works Cited Davis, Kingsley and Moore, Wilbert, E. “Some Principles of Stratification.” Provided. Eglitis, Diana Stukuls. "The Uses of Global Poverty: How Economic Inequality Benefits the West.” Provided. Mills, C. Wright. “The Power Elite.” Provided. Newman, Katherine S. “Getting a job in Harlem.” Provided. Wilson, William Julius. “When Work Disappears.” Provided. Read More