Functionalism

Question 1

What are the four main purposes of education (functionalism)

Answer 1

1) Creating social solidarity
2) Role allocation
3) Secondary Socialisation
4) Teaches skills needed for work/ the economy

Question 2

What are Durkheim’s two main functions of education

Answer 2

1. Teaches specialist skills
2. Creates social solidarity

Question 3

How does teaching History create social solidarity

Answer 3

It creates a link between the individual and society. Creates a sense of shared heritage and link to wider social group.

Question 4

What are 3 major functions according to Parsons

Answer 4

1. Acts as a bridge between the family and society
2. Passes on universal value of achievement- social norms and values
3. Allocates appropriate roles to children as education is meritocratic

Question 5

Particularistic values

Answer 5

Values that give priority to personal relationships

Question 6

Universalistic values

Answer 6

Values that apply to all

Question 7

Davis and Moore

Answer 7

Education ‘sifts and sorts’ individuals according to ability. It does this through setting and streaming. Education is meritocratic.

Question 8

Strengths of ed - functionalism

Answer 8

• School performs positive functions
• Role allocation - people with degrees earn 85% more
• Schools teach social solidarity through assembly etc
• education is more meritocratic than before

Question 9

Criticisms of ed - functionalism

Answer 9

• Marxists ~ meritocracy is a myth
• Ed only reflects the views of the r/c
• Postmodernists argues it kills creativity