Functionalism and Education

Question 1

The role of Education according to Durkheim

Answer 1

• teaches a set of norms and values= leads to a value consensus.
• this feeling of togetherness brings social solidarity.
• teaches skills for the workplace.

Question 2

The role of Education according to Parsons

Answer 2

• teaches social skills needed for wider society.
• teaches academic skills needed for the workplace.
• emphasises the system is meritocratic and fair= success and failure is down to the persons talent, work and effort.
• bridge from primary socialisation to secondary socialisation.
• ascribed status through education.
• teaches ‘universalistic standards’.
• a microcosm of society.

Question 3

The role of Education according to Davis and Moore

Answer 3

• the outcome of a child’s time in school helps to sort, sift and place them in appropriate jobs that fit their skill set(‘role allocation function’) = the rewards are status and money.
• meritocracy

Question 4

define hidden curriculum

Answer 4

things that are learnt but arent formally taught in the official curriculum.

Question 5

define value consensus

Answer 5

an agreement amongst society’s members about what values are important.

Question 6

define social solidarity

Answer 6

everyone’s interdependence and how it benefits each other and society.

Question 7

criticisms of the Functionalist view of education

Answer 7

• evidence that meritocracy is a myth (class/ethnic differences)
• marxists argue that the education system transmits ruling class ideas.
• ethnocentric curriculum, no social solidarity among ethnic minority groups.
• does the edu system really prepare them for work?
• same values passed down?
• anti-school behaviours? (myth of meritocracy, value consensus)