Final answer:
The main criticism of the Davis-Moore thesis is its inability to explain inequalities that arise from systemic barriers such as race, gender, and education, and for not considering the complexities of societal inequalities that prevent even qualified individuals from advancing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary criticism of the Davis-Moore theory focuses on its failure to account for inequalities that arise from factors beyond individual merit, such as education, race, and gender. Scholars like Melvin Tumin have argued that the Davis-Moore thesis does not adequately explain why certain individuals with less education, skill, or talent, like a reality show personality, become wealthy and famous. Furthermore, Tumin highlighted how social stratification can prevent qualified individuals from fulfilling their potential roles, as in the case of an underprivileged youth being unable to become a scientist due to lack of opportunity.
The criticism of the Davis-Moore thesis suggests that its analysis of social stratification does not encompass the complexities of societal inequalities. While the thesis posits that social stratification is necessary to incentivize highly skilled and important positions by offering higher rewards, it undervalues the significance of societal barriers that limit access to those rewards for certain social groups, regardless of their potential or ability.
Conflict Theory proponents argue that the Davis-Moore thesis overlooks the power relations and structures within society that favor certain groups over others, perpetuating disparities that are not based on functional importance or reward deservedness. They see social stratification as not merely reflecting necessary incentives for functionally vital roles but as a mechanism of maintaining unequal power dynamics.