Functionalism Flashcards
Social solidarity AO1
Belonging to a community that is much bigger than themselves.
Durkheim argues that school is a society in miniature- prepares child to interact with members of society and accepting social rules.
E.g learning shared culture in history lessons.
Important as without it people would pursue selfish aims and wouldn’t cooperate.
Social solidarity AO3
Fails to pass on a shared culture, only a dominant culture.
School is ethnocentric as it gives priority to white culture.
Ethnic minorities feel excluded- divides people rather than unites.
E.g only learning white European history.
Specialist skills AO1
Must be taught specialist skills to take place within a division of labour.
Modern industrial societies require specialist skills and knowledge to perform their job.
E.g punctuality, organisation and social skills.
Working means you can earn money for family, and pay tax to national government.
Specialist skills AO3
2011 wolf review of vocational education found that 1/3 of 16-19s doing courses that don’t lead to higher education or good jobs.
Leads to people becoming NEETs.
The bridge AO1
Parsons argues that education helps transition students from home to work.
At home the child is treated as special but wider society cannot function in this way.
Ascribed status versus achieved status.
Education teaches universal standards in society we are equals.
The bridge AO3
The New Right argue that the functionalist perspective lacks contemporary relevance.
The system is now failing to help the transition as too many young people are on benefits and are NEETs
Secondary Socialisation AO1
Parsons argues that education passes on key norms and values of society.
Meritocracy is achieving statues based on own ability and effort.
School mirrors society.
Education system is fair as it is free, national curriculum and same criteria to access grades.
