functionalism; role of education Flashcards
what are functionalists views on education?
an important social institution; society is based on a value consensus (we are all from the same organism) helps meet the needs of society and maintain social stability
who argued that the education system helps maintain social solidarity?
DURKHEIM - society’s shared beliefs and values are transmitted from one generation to the next; teaches individuals specialist skills that they need to be a part of the social division of labour
who put across the theory of meritocracy?
PARSONS - the education system is the focal socialising agency/it is the bridge between the family and wider society; everyone has equal opportunities and we earn rewards through our own efforts and abilities and we are judged on universalistic and impersonal standards
who argued that pupils are allocated roles to fit in the social division of labour?
DAVIS and MOORE - the education system selects and allocates pupils to their future job roles; they argue that inequality is inevitable to ensure that the most talented people are allocated to the most important job roles - this shows how the education system sifts and sorts us based on our ability
how do marxists criticise the functionalist view on education?
functionalists assume that every individual within society has equal opportunities when in fact marxists argue that the working class are exploited and oppressed - the ruling class ideology is transmitted through society which legitimises the suffering of the working class (create a false consciousness)
