functionalism view on education

Question 1

durkhiem 2 functions of education

Answer 1

1.to create social solidarity.
Education teaches us to understand that we are part of a society, otherwise society wouldn’t work. It does this by transmitting society’s culture via secondary socialisation.
2. to learn specialist skills.
As a result of structural differentiation (where institutions become more specialised as society becomes more complex and industrialised) the economy demands specialist workers who often have to undergo long periods of training for specific occupations. Education equips individuals with the specialist skills needed to work in a modern economy.

Question 2

parsons. education an important part of secondary socialisation

Answer 2

During primary socialisation within the family, each child is treated differently – as someone who is ‘special’- which Parsons refers to as ‘particularistic values’. Wider society cannot function in this way – everyone has to be treated and measured in the same way via ‘universalistic values’. Education promotes these universalistic standards and acts as a bridge between family and wider society. In particular, it socialises individuals into the shared values of a meritocratic society

Question 3

parsons, students are taught that education is meritocratic

Answer 3

Meritocracy means a system that is fair, giving everyone an equal chance of success: if you work hard and you are talented, you will succeed.

It is based on two key values:

Individual achievement – everyone achieves their status through their own efforts and abilities. It is not who you know or where you come from but what you can do that gives you your position in society (achieved status, instead of ascribed status).

Equal opportunity – for everyone to achieve their full potential

Question 4

Davis and Moore, sifting and sorting pupils into future work roles

Answer 4

Some students are more talented than others in particular subjects and some work roles are more complex than others and require greater skill – education tests students to find out who is more intelligent than others and pushes them towards the better subjects. A meritocratic education system allows everyone to compete equally. It ‘sifts and sorts’ individuals so that the most talented get the best qualifications and are allocated the most important jobs

Question 5

Davis and Moore, role allocation

Answer 5

Once the best students have been identified and are studying the better subjects, they are then able to go on to train for the most important jobs – these jobs have higher rewards offered (such as better pay) so that everyone is motivated to strive for them. This ensures that the best people are doing the best job - they have been allocated to the correct roles. As a result, society is more productive because the most able people do the most important jobs.

Question 6

evaluation of functionalist views on education.

Answer 6

poor children do less well in schools.
ignores gander differences

Question 7

organic analogy

Answer 7

The functionalist analogy that sees society as being like a human body where all parts work together and are interrelated

Question 8

meritocracy

Answer 8

Everyone has an equal chance to succeed regardless of class/ age/ gender/ ethnicity/locality etc. and achievement is based on own effort and ability

Question 9

secondary socialisation

Answer 9

Education is like a small-scale society, which acts like a bridge between the home and society