Durkheim On Education (consensus Theory)

Question 1

What does Durkheim believe

Answer 1

Education fulfils positive functions for society

• by promoting social solidarity (students create strong social bonds through subjects such as history)
• by teaching specialist skills

Question 2

Durkheim- social solidarity

Answer 2

Definition: the ties that bind people together in society
Two forms of social solidarity:
Pre-industrial era- mechanical solidarity
Modern era- organic solidarity (people formed new bonds with people of similar experiences)
Education ensures that solidarity is not lost

Question 3

How does education achieve social solidarity

Answer 3

• Passes on shared heritage&raquo_space; history,literature, music&raquo_space; students understand aspects of culture
• communal gatherings&raquo_space; assemblies, prize- giving&raquo_space; promote values of community
• social cohesion&raquo_space; enrichment, sports activities, house systems&raquo_space; sense of unity

Question 4

Criticisms

Answer 4

Marxists: whose values and heritage are being passed on ?

Ethnocentric curriculum focused on ‘little Englandism’- BALL

British values- marginalised some groups in society

Question 5

Durkheim- teaching specialist skills

Answer 5

• Industrial revolution
• changes in skills required for the ‘complex division of modern labour’
• creation of state education systems to prepare next generation for employment

Question 6

How does education achieve this

Answer 6

Core knowledge- national curriculum
Specialist knowledge- subject choice at A Level
Vocational skills- BTEC, T-levels
Creation of universities- ‘red brick’

Question 7

Criticisms

Answer 7

Marxists: over-qualified workforce

• fragmentation
• lower wages
• reserve army of labour

High levels of youth unemployment- NEETs

Skills shortage in areas in UK-
sciences, engineering

Feminists: girls discouraged from certain subjects