Functionalism

Question 1

Key Ideas about Education

Answer 1

• Education performs positive functions for the individual and society.
• It creating social solidarity (value consensus) through teaching the same subjects. - Durkheim
• Teaching skills necessary for work – necessary for a complex division of labour.
• Acting as a bridge between home and soceiety – from paricularistic to universalistic values. -Parsons
• Role Allocation and meritocracy - social stratification - Davis and Moore

Question 2

Supporting Evidence

Answer 2

• School performs positive functions for most pupils – exclusion and truancy rates are very low.
• Role Allocation – Those with degrees earn 85% more than those without degrees.
• Schools do try to foster ‘solidarity’ – Extended Tutorials – (‘cringing together’?) • Education is more ‘work focused’ today – increasing amounts of vocational courses.
• Schooling is more meritocratic than in the 19th century (fairer)

Question 3

Criticisms/ Limitations

Answer 3

• Marxists - the education system is not meritocratic (not fair) – e.g. private schools benefit the wealthy.
• Functionalism ignores the negative sides of school – Many schools fail OFSTED inspections; Not all pupils succeed; Negative In school processes like subcultures/ bullying/ teacher labelling
• Postmodernists argue that ‘teaching to the test’ kills creativity.
• Reflects the views of the powerful. The education system tends to work for them. (because they can send their children to private schools) and it suggests there is nothing to criticise.