Functionalism Flashcards
What type of view is functionalism?
Consensus
What do functionalists believe about society?
Society is based on harmony and agreement among its members
See society as a human body - everything fits together and depends on eachother
What is social solidarity?
The idea that individual members must feel like they belong as part of a single ‘body’ or a community
How did how did Durkheim believe that the education system helps to create social solidarity?
Believed it transmits society’s culture by sharing beliefs and values from one generation to the next
How does school act as a ‘society in miniature’?
It provides us for life in wider society by teaching us skills that we need like interaction and communication, but in a smaller group
What is meant by a modern industrial society?
Everybody must have the necessary specialist knowledge and skills to perform their role
How does education contribute to the modern industrial society?
It teaches individuals the specialist knowledge and skills that they need
What are particularistic standards?
Rules that only apply to a particular child
What are universalistic, impersonal standards?
Rules and laws where everyone is judged by the same standards
How did parsons believe education acts as a focal socialising agency?
It allows children to learn a new way of living to help them cope with the wider world as family and society operate on different principles
What is ascribed status?
Fixed status by birth
What is achieved status?
The persons status can improve or get worse depending on their effort
What are meritocratic principles?
Everyone is given equal opportunity and individually achieve rewards through their own efforts
What were Durkheims main ideas?
Education teaches us skills needed in an industrial society
School is just a society in miniature
Education unites individuals in society
What are Parsons main ideas?
Education is meritocratic
Education makes the transition from family to society possible
Education prepared children for achieved status and universalistic standards
