Question

Debunk the "Functional importance" principle by Davis and Moore.

Answer 1

The functional importance principle by David and Mooere in its most simple terms states that "the rich and those with power and prestige are at the top because they are the most talented and trained people who make the greatest contribution to society’s preservation.” It also says that the most important positions are rewarded the most while the least important are rewarded the least.

Here is the flaw in the principle which should be recognized. Scarcity of rewards is not a “natural” scarcity but rather an artificial scarcity especially within a system of private property in production. Some rewards are not functionally determined at all, but rather must be understood within the context of wealth ownership and institution of inheritance.