Functionalism and role of education

Question 1

Durkheim Social Solidarity

Answer 1

Function of education is to integrate people into society, education gives people a sense of belonging and social solidarity

Education teaches us a value consensus- an agreement of what’s important in society

Values taught through the hidden curriculum, eg respecting authority

Gives individuals commitment to the social group and creates a feeling of ‘togetherness’ as values are promoted throughout education system

Question 2

Durkheim SS A03

Answer 2

Creates social division not social solidarity

Those in private schools have better employment opportunities and dominate top jobs

Question 3

Durkheim economic training

Answer 3

Schools make sure that there is an adequate supply of trained workers for the economy

Education teaches us the specific skills necessary

Question 4

Parsons secondary socialisation

Answer 4

Education acts as a bridge between the family and wider society

Wider society judges us by universal standards and judge all children against the same standard in terms of behaviour and achievement, eg, all pupils wear uniform

In this way pupils learn about the basic ways of behaving in the adult world

School like a society in miniature

Question 5

Parsons meritocracy

Answer 5

Status in schools in achieved rather than ascribed, earned through success in school eg exams

Functionalists agree that schools are based on meritocratic principles as everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed

In a meritocracy rewards are given through effort and ability of students

Question 6

Davis and Moore role allocation

Answer 6

Education sifts and sorts people according to their abilities
Most able progress and do the more functionally important roles in society
Eg doctors civil servants
Unable students tend to fill other necessary jobs such as cleaners
Both talented and untalented end up in their most appropriate jobs which leads to a successful society