Education The Role of Education in Society Flashcards
Which two functions that Education play for society did Durkheim (1903) identify ?
-Creating Social solidarity
-Teaching specialist skills
What is social solidarity?
Durheim argues society needs a sense of solidarity; that is, its individual members must feel themselves to be part of single body or community . He argues that without social solidarity , social life and cooperation would be impossible because each individual would pursue their own selfish desires
How does the education system help to create Social Solidarity?
It does this by transmitting society’s culture - it’s shared beliefs and values - from one generation to the next . For example , Durkheim argues that the teaching of a country’s history instils in children a sense of a shared heritage and a commitment to the wider social group. School also acts as a ‘society in miniature’ , by mimicking societal norms like cooperating with others, following rules, socialising, which prepares students for the outer world.
What are Specialist Skills?
Modern industrial economies have a complex division of labour where the production of even a single item usually involves the cooperation of many different specialists. This cooperation promotes social solidarity but for it to be successful each person must have the necessary specialist knowledge and skills to perform their role. Durkheim argues that education teaches individuals the specialist knowledge and skills that they need to play their part in the social division of labour.
How does Parsons (1961) view the education system?
He sees the education system as the ‘focal socialising agency’ , and says that it bridges the gap between the family and wider society, teaching children principles and values which the family does not, preparing them for wider society.
How are orders and roles different in education and in the family?
In the family, roles and orders are individually ascribed, maybe based on age or gender. For example two siblings - A boy aged 15 and a girl aged 9 , will likely be given different chores in accordance to their physical and emotional capability. However in school, all rules apply to all students, and are judged by universalistic standards. In society this also applies, further proving how school is a society in miniature.
