Functionalist approach

Question 1

functionalism is a…

Answer 1

consenus theory and social structure theory

Question 2

how does education provide for societies according to Durkheim (1903)?

Answer 2

1. social solidarity- it transmits society’s culture and gives a common identity, preparing us for wider society. school is ‘society in miniture’
2. teaches us specialist skills- the complex division of labour ensures that we are able to co-operate. it teaches us special skills in order to carry out our part in the social division of labour

Question 3

Durkheim’s view is based on…

Answer 3

the fact that society is made up into parts and held together through a value consensus. each part in society performs functions that help to maintain society as a whole. education is one of these parts.

Question 4

Parsons (1961) idea on family and school

Answer 4

-draws upon many of Durkheims ideas
-sees school as the ‘focal socialising agency’
-acts as a ‘bridge’ between the family and wider society- this is needed as family and society operate on different principles (so children need to cope with a new way of living)
-in the family- child is judged on particularistic standards (rule only applies to a particular child)
-in school and in wider society- they both judge us on the same universalistic standards (rule applies to everyone)

Question 5

Parsons- meritocracy

Answer 5

-sees school as preparing us for society as they are both based on meritocratic principles

Question 6

Davis and Moore: Role allocation

Answer 6

func believe school is also a device for selection and role allocation-they focus on the relationship between education and social inequality:
1.inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented people (you wouldnt want anyone as your surgeon)
2.not everyone is equally as talented so society has to offer the highest rewards for the jobs that require a higher level of talent
3.this causes everyone to compete for them and society will then select the most talented
4.education acts as a ‘proving ground’ for ability as it ‘sifts and sorts’ us according to our ability
5.the most able gain the best grades and this allows them to attend the best higher education institutions and fill the important positions in society

Question 7

Blau and Duncan (1978): Human capital

Answer 7

-believe that a modern economy depends for its prosperity on using its ‘human capital’- its workers skills
-a meritocratic education system does this best since it enables each person to be allocated to the job best suited to their abilities
-makes the most effective use of their talents and maximises their productivity

Question 8

criticisms of func theory:

Answer 8

1. Durkheim- the wolf review of vocational courses shows that schools do not teach specialised skills
2. equal opportunity does not exist in education- evidence to support
3. davis and moore- criticised for a circular argument by Melvis tumin- is a job important because its highly rewarded because it is important?
4. functionalists see school as a process that instills shared values in society however marxists argue that functionalists are wrong and education only instils the values of a minority- the ruling class
5. Dennis wrong- criticised functionalists- states that they wronly imply that pupils passively accept all they are taught and never rejct the schools values
6. neoliberalisms and new right state that the state education system fails to prepare young people adequately for work