Functionalism

Question 1

Functionalists theorists

Answer 1

Durkheim

Parsons

Davies and Moore

Question 2

Durkheim

Answer 2

Education used to transmit value consensus (ageeed norms and values) social solidarity (sense of belonging) and social integration

Organic analogy (compare society to human body the importance of different institutes working together)

Question 3

Parsons

Answer 3

Adopt meritocracy view of achievement (reward for hard work)

Bridge between home and school

Particularistic - status ascribed at birth (e.g daughter) (standards apply in family)

Universalistic - earn achieved status e.g doctor (applies to everyone in society)

Question 4

Davies and Moore

Answer 4

Role allocation - education shifts and sorts to appropriate jobs based on talents and efforts through use of examination and qualifications

Question 5

Criticisms

Answer 5

MARXISTS Assumes students start at same point. ‘Fair playing field’. (Relate to Davies and Moore) Wrong: m/c have unfair advantages (private school cultural capital) which makes selection process unfair

INTERACTIONISTS Too deterministic focuses on positives and believes socialisation doesn’t fail when social problems exists

MARXISTS/FEMINISTS Ignores conflict such as inequalities through social class and gender (more power to impose different sets of norms and values)

Question 6

How is education based on meritocracy

Answer 6

Parsons - talents and efforts are rewarded leading to achieved status rather than ascribed status