Functionalist Perspective On Education

Question 1

According to Durkheim what does the Education system achieve? (IT)

Answer 1

• Integrating society into a social unit; E.g. Standard Curriculum
• Transmission of culture; E.g. Disclipline

Question 2

What are Parsons ‘Two Standards?’

Answer 2

• Particularistic; Informal standard

- Universalistic; Status is achieved not ascribed

Question 3

According to Parsons how are schools meritocratic?

Answer 3

All pupils are judged by ‘Universalistic standards’, success is achieved on equal principles

Question 4

What is the ‘Stratification system?’

Answer 4

• Davis + Moore; Education is a selective agency for ability
• Inequality is necessary for important roles within society to be fulfilled
• Not everyone is equally talented, so higher rewarded jobs cause competition

Question 5

What is ‘Human Capital?’

Answer 5

• Blau + Duncan; Modern economy depends on workers’ skills

- Meritocratic education allocates pupils to a job best suited to them

Question 6

What are the criticisms of Functionalist views on education?

Answer 6

• Schools don’t always promote social solidarity
• Equal opportunity doesn’t exist for everyone
• 2011 Wolf Review; 1/3 16-19 year olds are on courses that don’t lead to good jobs
• Tumin; Argues Davis + More put forward a circular argument

Question 7

Why do Interactionists criticise Functionalists’ views on education?

Answer 7

• Wrong; Functionalists have an ‘over-socialised view’ of people as passive puppets
• Pupils rebel against school rules E.g. Anti-school subcultures

Question 8

Why do Marxists criticise Functionalists’ views on education?

Answer 8

Education solely aims to transmit ruling class ideology upon the WC, not instil shared values

Question 9

Why does the New Right criticise Functionalists’ views on education?

Answer 9

State education fails to adequately prepare young people for work