Functionalist theories of education Flashcards
What are the 4 purposes of education according to functionalists ?
Social solidarity
Specialist skills
Role allocation
Secondary socialisation
Define social solidarity
Where individual members of a society feel that they belong to a community that is bigger that themselves
Who is the key thinker on social solidarity and what does he argue about the school
Durkheim , argues that the school is a society in miniature
How does the school prepare children for interacting with wider society and accepting social rules ?
In school, the child learns to interact with other members of the school community and to follow a fixed set of rule
How does education UNITE individuals?
Learning about their shared culture in history lessons gives pupils a sense of social solidarity ie learn the same history in history lessons, sing hymns together in assemblies & celebrate each other’s achievements in assemblies i.e. through certificate
Why is shared culture important?
This is important because without it, people would pursue selfish aims and wouldn’t cooperate
AO3 - Social Solidarity
Conflict theories argue education DOES NOT promote a shared culture – it promotes a dominant culture which may exclude minorities
The school system can be seen as ethnocentric - it gives priority to white culture over others , making ethnic minorities feel excluded - MORE LIKEY TO DIVIDE THAN UNITE
Why does Durkheim argue individuals must be taught specialist skills?
Durkheim argues that individuals must be taught specialist skills so that they can take their place within a highly complex division of labour
Define division of labor
Division of labour - there are lots of different specialized jobs that involves specific tasks performed by a specific person
Give examples of specialist skills and knowledge
Language , linguistic and communication skills , problem solving and meeting deadlines
How does this benefit society ?
Supporting their families and paying income tax to the national government which is used to keep society running
AO3 - Specialist skills
The Wolf review - found that a third of 16-19s were doing courses that did not lead to higher education or good jobs - NEW RIGHT support this view
NR - increase in NEETS - education system failing to teach us specialist skills
What does Parsons argue ?
Argues that education passes on the key n+v’s of society i.e meritocracy
What is meant by being socialised into meritocracy
We are taught that we can achieve status based on our own ability and effort , meaning at school each person should strive to achieve their full potential
Give examples of how school is meritocratic
Attending school is free
All students sit the same exams
Everyone studies the same subjects –National Curriculum
Each student has to meet the same criteria to achieve the grade
A03 - Meritocracy
The existence of private education undermines the view that everyone has the chance to succeed
Bowles and Gintis (Marxists) - Meritocracy is a MYTH
Parsons argues the school socialises us into the bridge - what does he mean by this?
The bridge - there are different statuses at home and in school to adhere to , the school helps students make the transition from home to work
What do Davis and Moore argue the role of education is ?
Role allocation - sift and sorts people according to ability and effort (meritocracy) - education puts people onto the career paths they are suited to based on their abilities and efforts
What is the difference between Particularistic standards and Universal standards?
Particularistic standards - special standards (ascribed status) vs universal standards - equal treatment
AO3 - The Bridge
The system is now failing to help students transition from home to work - to many young people are on benefits (Increase in NEETS)
Give an example of role allocation
Students being placed into sets - those in set 1 for math and science are most suited for career paths in those subject fields
What will the most able students earn?
High grades , which will lead to important jobs with high rewards
Why do we need to recognise important roles with rewards (well paid) ?
Not everyone is equally talented , so we need to recognise the most talented as the most important jobs in society should be filled with the best people for them
How will giving rewards to the best workers affect society ?
Lead to inequalities within society - this is natural and even desirable - incentive to work hard
A03 - Sifting and sorting
Ball (Marxist) - argues role allocation is based on class and fathers occupation NOT ability and effort - Found that students in set 1 fathers were in middle class occupations and the students in lower sets fathers were in working class manual jobs - so sifting and sorting is actually based on SOCIAL CLASS
