Education : The Functionalist Approach

Question 1

Why do functionalists believe that education is so important ?

Answer 1

Education helps socialising the young and pushing kids into cultural values such as achievement , competition , equality of opportunity , social solidarity and democracy and morality

Question 2

Why did Durkheim believe teaching history was necessary ?

Answer 2

History helps develop a sense of loyalty to your own society

Question 3

What did parson believe about education ?

Answer 3

School is the bridge between family and the wider society

Question 4

What are the 3 main functions of education ?

Answer 4

1. Socialisation
2. Role allocation
3. Skills provision

Question 5

How is skills provision a function of education ?

Answer 5

Investments in humans through education is like investing in new machinery - as they are able to produce at a better quality and quantity

Question 6

How is role allocation a function of education ?

Answer 6

Education allocates people to jobs that are more appropriate for their talents

Question 7

Criticisms of the functionalist approach ( 3 points )

Answer 7

1. The functionalist approach only focuses on the positives of the education system
2. Functionalism may not be applicable to communities with shared cultures
3. Many schools and establishments don’t have the same standards of education which means not all students are equal