The functionalist analysis of how people achieve positions in the social system can be compared to a foot race in which those who win earn their positions based on their skills and talents. What is a basic problem with this analysis of placement in the stratification system?

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The functionalist analysis assumes that everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on their skills and talents. However, in reality, some individuals have advantages such as wealth, social connections, and access to education that make it easier for them to succeed. Thus, the race is not fair, and the functionalist analysis overlooks the structural inequalities that can affect an individual's success in the stratification system.

The Functionalist Analysis of How People Achieve Positions in the Social