Functionalist

Question 1

Name some functionalists

Answer 1

Emile durkheim
Talcott parsons
Kingsley Davis and wilbert Moore

Question 2

What did Emile Durkheim think

Answer 2

Identified the two main functions of education

1) creating social solidarity
2) teaching skills

Question 3

What is social solidarity

Answer 3

The integration of people into society through shared values, a common culture, shared understanding and social ties that bind them together

Question 4

What are teaching skills

Answer 4

Social skills and specialist skills

Question 5

What did Talcott parsons do

Answer 5

He said that education is a meritocracy society –> a society where social positions are achieved by individual merit, e.g. Education qualifications

Question 6

What else did parson believe in

Answer 6

Role allocation –> children are tested and find jobs which they are best suited for.

Question 7

What did Davis and Moore do

Answer 7

They see education as a device for selection and role allocation.
They feel that not everyone is equally talented therefore sociality has to offer better rewards, this then encourages competition.

Question 8

Criticisms of the functionalist approach

Answer 8

1) the link between education and the work place is very low
2) most skills are learnt on the job and not in school
3) education system does not act as a neutral ‘sieve’ simply grading and selecting children depending on their ability.
4) contact at what we learn at school isn’t to do with out jobs or occupations.