Functionalist

Question 1

What are the two main functions of the education system as identified by Durkheim?

Answer 1

1. Creating social solidarity
2. Teaching specialist skills

Question 2

Definition of social solidarity

Answer 2

Unity, harmony and consensus within society

Question 3

How does education create social solidarity?

Answer 3

Transmitting society’s norms, values and culture

Question 4

One example of how education creates social solidarity?

Answer 4

Through religious education - diversity and understanding of other cultures leading to acceptance and tolerance

Question 5

What type of socialisation does the family perform?

Answer 5

Primary

Question 6

What type of socialisation does education perform?

Answer 6

Secondary

Question 7

Particularistic values

Answer 7

A child is only judged by the rules that apply to a given family - ascribed status

Question 8

Universalistic values

Answer 8

All children have to follow the same rules - achieve status

Question 9

Meritocracy

Answer 9

People get status/rewards due to their ability, talent and work-ethic. A meritocratic society is unequal but fair

Question 10

Who talked about role allocation?

Answer 10

Davis and Moore

Question 11

Role allocation

Answer 11

Children get assigned roles in the adult world on the basis of their skills, abilities and attributes

Question 12

How does role allocation support the view that education is meritocratic?

Answer 12

1. Inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented people
2. Not everyone is equally talented