Functionalism Flashcards
1
Q
What were Durkheim’s two main functions of education?
A
1) creates social solidarity - creates a sense of trust / society feels connected which prevents lawlessness
- promotes social integration - shared heritages
2) creates specialist skills which may be required in modern economies
2
Q
What did Talcott Parsons believe?
A
- School-related to wider society, status gained through achievement (promotion/dismissal) (exam pass or fail)
- meritocracy / power,rank,influence and reward gained according to individuals merit
3
Q
What must be needed for there to be meritocracy?
A
Equal opportunity for all
4
Q
Davis and Moore argued?
A
- education is a device for role selection / good indicator for who will do what job later in life
- not everyone is equally talented
- offer higher rewards for challenging roles
5
Q
Criticisms of Functionalism
A
- equal opportunities may not exist / achievement greatly influence by class.
- state control discourages efficency competition and choice
6
Q
Key difference with NR and functionalist?
A
NR worried that education is underperfomring
7
Q
What does the functionalist theory focus on?
A
focuses on the ways that education serves needs in society
