Functionalism Flashcards
How does the education system create social solidarity? Durkheim
-transmits society’s culture,beliefs and values
-teaches history to instil a shared sense of heritage
What is society in miniature? Durkheim
School prepares us for life in wider society
What are some evaluations for Durkheim?
X-aspects are outdated,society has become more diverse,idea of everyone having a shared heritage is problematic
-postmodernists would argue that it is impossible to instill the same values into everyone
+-aspects still relevant e.g 2013 coalition govt set policies to promote British values
What is Parson’s purpose of education?
-bridge between family and wider society
What are particularistic values? Parsons
-held by families e.g unconditional love
What are universalistic values? Parsons
-in wider society everyone is held to the same standard
-e.g in school having good behaviour and doing well in exams
How do schools push meritocracy? Parsons
Best students get good grades so students should work hard and apply thrmselves
What are some evaluations for Parson?
Doesn’t include NEETS
How is society sorted out? Davis and Moore
-according to people’s abilities and talents
What is the purpose of education? Davis and Moore
-allocates the most appropriate jobs for their talents using exams and qualifications
What is equality of opportunity? Davis and Moore
Everyone has a chance to achieve success on the basis of their ability
What are some evaluations for Davis and Moore?
X-meritocracy is a myth
-those who went to private schools are more likely to become successful
How are working class boys affected by the middle class school system? Albert Cohen
-WC boys face anomie in the MC system
-suffer from cultural deprivation and lack the skills to achieve
evaluation of parsons
-the workplace sometimes has particularistic standards such as being able to work from home to account for individual needs
