Durkheim: Social solidarity and skills Flashcards
To create social solidarity
main function of the education system was to integrate people into society. Durkheim said education gives people a sense of belonging & social solidarity
Education teaches value consensus – an agreement about what is important & worthwhile in society. Learning the value consensus is achieved through the formal curriculum, e.g. through PSHCE, & the hidden curriculum which includes all those things learnt without being formally taught eg respecting authority and being obedient
Values such as co-operation, honesty, achievement, competition & care for others are all promoted in collective or group behaviour through the education system. This gives individuals commitment to the social group & creates a feeling of ‘togetherness’.
To provide economic training
Modern economies are based on the division of labour & functionalists argue that schools make sure there is an adequate supply of trained workers for the economy. Durkheim believed education teaches the specific skills (numeracy, literacy, IT, communication, problem solving) that are necessary for the economy.
As the economy becomes more complex the education system must adapt & change in order to provide a labour force to meet the economic needs of society.
