Functionalist Theories on The Education System

Question 1

Parsons and Secondary Socialisation

Answer 1

Parsons argues that education teaches students the rules and norms of society as a whole.

Question 2

Example of Secondary Socialisation

Answer 2

Children are socialised into the value of meritocracy, they strive to reach their full potential and gain the best grades.

Question 3

The Myth of Meritocracy

Answer 3

Bowles and Gintis said that meritocracy is a myth. Research indicates that other factors such as class, gender and ethnicity also influence achievement.

Question 4

Example of The Myth of Meritocracy

Answer 4

This is shown in schools where people of a higher class tend to do better than other students of working class.

Question 5

Specialist Skills

Answer 5

Durkheim argues that schools teach students the diverse skills needed for taking part in a highly complex division of labor.

Question 6

Example of Specialist Skills

Answer 6

An example of specialist skills is learning mathematics in school which is a skill required in many jobs, such as accountancy.

Question 7

The rise in NEET’s

Answer 7

The education system is failing to help students achieve in the world of work.

Question 8

Example of The rise in NEET’s

Answer 8

More young people are leaving education as NEET’s (those who are Not in Education, Employment or Training).

Question 9

Social Solidarity

Answer 9

Durkheim argues that the education system unites individuals under the school community.

Question 10

Example of Social Solidarity

Answer 10

Assemblies and communal gathers of such promotes values of community as everyone is united under one school community.

Question 11

Not everyone may feel included / Social Solidarity

Answer 11

Schools are mostly ethnocentric giving priority to white cultures making ethnic minorities feeling excluded rather than include.

Question 12

Example of Not Feeling Included

Answer 12

History classes mainly teach British history and not everyone will identify with this.

Question 13

Sifting and Sorting

Answer 13

Davis + Moore argue education puts people on the career paths they are suited to.. The most capable students are allocated to the most important or challenging jobs (allocation function).

Question 14

Example of Sifting and Sorting

Answer 14

Sets in schools place students of similar ability into groups to achieve similar careers paths.

Question 15

Education is not the only factor to achieving a career path.

Answer 15

Other factors aside from qualifications, such as social contacts also influence the labour market.

Question 16

Example of Education is not the only factor to achieving a career path

Answer 16

Tuition fees of £9,000 may deter the most talented students from going to university.

Question 17

The Bridge

Answer 17

Parsons argues education helps students make the transfer from home to work.

Question 18

Example of The Bridge

Answer 18

Ascribed Status (at home) may not apply in wider society. One will need to gain Achieved Status (status we have to work for).

Question 19

The Bridge has a Lack of contemporary relevance

Answer 19

The New Right would argue that the functionalist perspective lacks relevance of today’s society.

Question 20

Example of the Bridge having a Lack of Contmeporary Evidence

Answer 20

The system is failing to help students transition to work. Too many NEET’s.