Social Stratification "Economic Security for Middle Class Families"

Please review the following article and answer the following questions by comparing functionalism theory and social conflict theory.

http://economistsview.typepad.com/economistsview/2007/11/economic-securi.html

How are relevant concepts and key characteristics (Compare) of these two theoretical approaches the same or different? To what level of explanation and to analyze the origins of the problems featured in the article?

How would each approach explain the underlying cause(s) of the problems in this reading?

Identify which theory you found to best interpret this issue. Use it to provide some possible resolutions to the identified problems.

What is the sociological definition of stratification? How does it differ from your cultural understanding of this idea?
In this case how does social stratification affect the individual in a society?

How do functionalists conceive of stratification? How is this different from the conflict perspective?

Can you offer an interpretation of the factual and statistical claims presented by this author. Do you think they are valid and objective? What are you basing your position on? (Use as many of the below elements in formation of your answers)

Identify key elements of social class, as sociologists use the term.
Identify how social class is constructed in everyday social settings.
Evaluate perspectives on social structuring of inequality.
Examine how theory can be applied to a contemporary social issue.
Discuss stratification practices in the U. S., and how they impact the working poor, as well as corporate welfare.