Functionalism

Question 1

What do functionalists argue is the role of education (meritocracy)

Answer 1

To allocate people into positions based of ability and hard work

Question 2

What is the functionalist view on inequality in education?

Answer 2

That inequality helps people to compete and ensure the most skilled reach the top, filling the most important roles in society and therefore meaning they are well rewarded

Question 3

Durkheim - not organism analogy

Answer 3

Argued the role of education was to build social cohesion through socialisation, reinforcing social solidarity

Question 4

Parsons

Answer 4

Education system acts as a bridge between the family and wider society

Question 5

Davis and Moore

Answer 5

Education system helps to allocate people into appropriate roles based on skill. Inequality can be justified as motivation to do better and reach the top roles

Question 6

What is meritocracy?

Answer 6

Success and status in society depend on a persons skill and work rate