Final answer:
The Davis-Moore thesis posits that the unequal distribution of rewards serves a necessary function in society by encouraging individuals to occupy and perform critical social roles, thereby promoting overall societal efficiency and productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The basic premise of the structural-functionalists who agree with the Davis-Moore thesis is that the unequal distribution of rewards serves a necessary function in society. This is guided by the functionalist perspective that argues for the essential role of social stratification. According to this view, the function of social stratification is to motivate individuals to fill and perform in society's most important and challenging positions, which are deemed essential for collective well-being. Therefore, individuals are rewarded differently based on the importance and complexity of their social role to ensure that these crucial positions are filled by competent individuals. Social stratification is thus seen as a means to promote excellence, productivity, and efficiency within a society.