ABSTRACT
The functional theory of stratification critiqued below, originally written in the 1940s, will probably be shocking to students and younger sociologists unfamiliar with this theory, who might find it hard to believe that well-known and otherwise respected sociologists could seriously entertain such a piece of work, which viewed stratification as "an unconsciously evolved device whereby society ensures that the most important social positions are filled by the most qualified persons." (The implicit Social Darwinism here is unmistakable.)
As most social scientists, but few of the general public, are aware, the distribution of income - and much more so - the distribution of wealth are grossly unequal in the United States, especially as measured against the ideology of a society of equal opportunity for all.
