FUNCTIONALIST ON EDUCATION Flashcards
State three functions of the education system according to functionalists
Socialisation
Role allocation
Social solidarity
Outline socialisation as a role of education
The population is able to adapt from particularistic values and ascribed status to universalistic values and achieved status. Schools are focal socialising agency’s to achieve this as argued by Parsons. You can achieve your status through reward etc which are applicable in the real world of work. Ladder of opportunity.
Outline role allocation as a function of education
As argued by Davis and Moore the education system sifts and sorts students using a meritocratic grading system. This grading system can then be translated into the job market whereby there is often correlations between high grades and highly paid jobs.
Give a criticism of the functionalist perspective of education
Functionalists assume that the education system is completely meritocratic. This is disputed by feminists who claim the education system has a basis of patriarchal values and ignores the needs of women. Leaving them at a disadvantage.
Outline social solidarity as a role of the education system.
As argued by Durkheim, the hidden curriculum helps promote social solidarity as things like pastoral care helps promote a shared culture which everyone can relate to. Also collectively studying subjects like history promotes the understanding of different cultures etc.
