Ed 4: Emile Durkheim

Question 1

D: What is Durkheim’s perspective?

E: He studied the ‘functions’ of education, what does this mean?

C: He takes a ‘consensus’ view of society, what does this mean?

Answer 1

D: A functionalist (known as the ‘founding father of functionalism).

E: The role, purpose, job of education. What it is used for in society.

C: Consensus theorists look at why society is in general agreement about the norms and values in society.

Question 2

D: When was Durkheim’s study published?

E: The writings come from earlier lectures, when did they take place?

C: Where was Durkheim writing and lecturing?

Answer 2

D: 1925

E: 1902-3

C: In France.

Question 3

D: Name the 3 main functions of education, according to Durkheim.

E: Describe what the 3 main functions are, according to Durkheim.

C: Apply, how do schools perform these functions?

Answer 3

D: Secondary socialisation, social cohesion and specialist skills.

E: Secondary socialisation= learning complex norms and values.
Social cohesion= a feeling of unity, togetherness, of being part of something beyond the individual and family.
Specialist skills= skills that can be used in employment. Note- these are not values, but practical skills, eg reading, writing, computer skills.

C: Secondary socialisation- taught by teachers through school rules, working together with other pupils.

Social cohesion= wearing uniform, assemblies, sports days, history lessons.

Specialist skills= taught in the curriculum.

Question 4

D: How are schools ‘a society in miniature’?

E: Why did Durkheim think that punishment was important?

C: How do schools function to support the economy?

Answer 4

D: They are a small version of larger society- we learn how to be useful members of a larger society that will play our roles in the work place and in socialising others.

E: Children need to learn that their behaviour should not negatively impact others.

C: The three functions work together to make sure all roles are filled in the division of labour and that we are useful in our jobs, feel that we must work together as society and share the same norms and values.

Question 5

D: Name one criticism of Durkheim’s study.

E: How would Marxists criticise Durkheim?

C: How would feminists criticise Durkheim?

Answer 5

D: He assumes everyone is socialised into shared values. Some pupils rebel against the school.

E: Marxists see the same functions, but negatively. Schools function to maintain capitalism, not for everyone’s benefit.

C: Feminists see the schools socialising children into patriarchal values. Gender roles are taught, so that the inequalities between men and women continue.