Functionalism Flashcards
Who are the main functionalist thinkers?
Emile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons
Davis + Moore
What do they examine?
- How societies stick together.
- How shared values keep people together.
- How institutions keep society predictable and orderly.
What do they recognise about insitutions?
Some functionalists (like Durkheim) recognised that things could go wrong. However, functionalists believe institutions provide positive functions.
Do they focus on inequality?
Not really.
Functionalists pay little attention to inequality, conflict and social divisions.
What are the three main functions of education?
Socialisation: Instil shared beliefs and values.
Skills Provision: Skills taught that are needed for the economy.
Role Allocation: Education allocates roles best suiting to the individual’s skillset.
What does socialisation do for society?
It maintains society and strengthens social solidarity.
What is Durkheim’s view of socialisation?
Moral responsibilities need to be emphasised and the teaching of history helps develop loyalty to one’s society - this creates a shared identity.
What does Durkheim say is undermining social solidarity?
Individualism in modern society - this can lead to anomie.
What does Parsons believe the role of secondary socialisation is?
It bridges the gap between the particularistic values of the family and the universalistic values of wider society, enforcing meritocratic values.
What is the purpose of the bridge between the family and wider society?
It produces a value consensus - there is order and predictability in life.
What economic theory is functionalism similar to?
Human Capital Theory: Investment in humans through education is like investment in new machinery.
What skills does the education system teach?
Generic Skills - Literacy and numeracy.
Specific skills for certain occupations.
Why are longer periods of education becoming necessary?
Division of Labour is becoming more complex so occupational roles are becoming more specialised as a result - takes 10 years to become a Dr.
Who sees the education system as allocating roles?
Davis and Moore (1945)
How are jobs allocated?
Through examinations and qualifications.
Why is role allocation seen as fair?
It is based on meritocracy:
The most important jobs receive higher pay as they are held by the most capable.
What do exams encourage?
They encourage competition, hard work, and individual achievement - those who work hardest are rewarded with higher pay.
Why do functionalists believe meritocracy is fair?
They see people as having equality of opportunity within education.
What is the issue with the functionalist emphasis on positives?
They ignore dysfunctional aspects of education - some groups may benefit more than others.
Why might someone say socialisation is ethnocentric?
As it does not take into account multicultural societies where cultural differences may not be able to reconciled within education.
How does Paul Willis criticise socialisation?
He says schools do not succeed in socialising students - there are those that do not conform.
What evidence shows that Britain does not provide the skills needed for the economy?
Britain lags behind other countries - 26/65 for maths ability at 15. It cannot compete globally.
Vocational education has a low status in the UK - Gove.
Why is role allocation not always meritocratic?
It ignores the effect of social divisions - pays no heed to private education. There is no equality of opportunity.
Nepotism may be involved in people getting better jobs.
