Functionalist approach to education system Flashcards
P1: What is Durkheim’s key function of education?
To promote social solidarity by transmitting shared norms/values (value consensus).
How does school act as a “society in miniature”?
Teaches cooperation (group work), enforces rules (uniforms), and prepares for adult roles.
Give an example of how schools teach shared culture.
History lessons on national events (e.g., WWII) foster collective identity.
Why is this important for society?
Prevents anomie (normlessness) by integrating individuals into a cohesive whole.
How do Marxists like Althusser critique this?
Schools transmit ruling-class ideology, not shared values—masking inequality.
→ Functionalists overlook power imbalances in “consensus.”
P2: How do functionalists view meritocracy in education?
Schools reward talent/effort (universalistic standards) to allocate roles fairly.
What is Parsons’ “focal socialising agency” idea?
School bridges family (particularistic values) and society (universalistic standards).
How do Davis & Moore explain role allocation?
Education “sifts and sorts” via exams—high grades = high-skilled jobs (e.g., doctors).
Why is this functional for society?
Ensures the most talented fill the most important roles, boosting efficiency.
How do Bowles & Gintis challenge meritocracy?
Myth of meritocracy—class background, not ability, determines success.
→ Functionalists ignore how schools reproduce inequality.
P3: What is the functionalist view of education’s economic role?
Teaches specialist skills needed for a complex division of labour.
How does education support the economy?
Provides trained workers (e.g., engineers via STEM, nurses via BTEC Health).
Give an example of vocational education.
Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with on-the-job training.
Why is this functional for industrial society?
Ensures a skilled workforce, maintaining productivity and innovation.
How does the New Right critique this?
State education fails to teach relevant skills—supports marketisation for better efficiency.
→ Functionalists overstate how well schools meet economic needs.
P4: Criticism
Marxists- Bowles and gintis - myth of meritocracy- factors that determine success eg class - link to bordiues concept of social capital - cultural capital.
