The Criticisms by Melvin Tumin on Davis and Moore's Role Allocation Theory

What were the criticisms by Melvin Tumin of Davis and Moore's ideas about role allocation?

Discuss the main criticisms raised by Melvin Tumin regarding the functionalist theory proposed by Davis and Moore on role allocation.

Answer:

Melvin Tumin criticized Davis and Moore's functionalist theory on role allocation, arguing that the social stratification it results in doesn't necessarily place the most talented individuals in the essential roles and doesn't always provide high rewards to the most important societal roles.

Melvin Tumin, a prominent sociologist, had significant criticisms of the theories put forth by Davis and Moore on role allocation. Davis and Moore proposed a functionalist theory that society ensures its most qualified individuals fill its most important roles through a system of unequal rewards. This is often cited as the justification for social stratification.

First, Tumin disagreed with the notion that social stratification, as proposed by Davis and Moore, ensures the most talented individuals fulfill the most crucial societal roles. According to Tumin, it often leads to a waste of talent from those in lower strata who may not have the means to develop or demonstrate their capabilities. Hence, it prevents a merit-based allocation of roles.

Second, Tumin criticized the assertion made by Davis and Moore that the most important roles in society are necessarily the most rewarded. Tumin questioned this link between the importance of roles and the rewards allocated. According to Tumin, many roles deemed important, like teaching and social work, don't necessarily receive high rewards despite their societal significance.