Functionalism

Question 1

Talcott Parsons (1961) - meritocracy

Answer 1

Schools acts as a bridge between the family and the wider society. Family = particularistic (ascribed status). School/society = universalistic (achieved status). Meritocratic principles

Question 2

Davis and Moore (1945) - role allocation

Answer 2

Education acts as a proving ground for ability - it ‘sifts and sorts pupils’ into appropriate roles in life, based on meritocracy