Functionalist theory

Question 1

what do functionalists believe?

Answer 1

• in agreement over norms and values in society as they benefit all of us
• order is maintained because we learn correct behaviour through PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SOCIALISATION
  -education system is an AGENT OF SECONDARY SOCIALISATION
• society stratified into different levels, ensures right people into right positions

Question 2

what does Durkheim believe?

Answer 2

schools are ‘society in a miniature’
4 functions of education

Question 3

what does society in a minature mean?

Answer 3

school is enabling children to learn what society will be like and how they will fit in

Question 4

4 functions of education

Answer 4

1) Homogeneity
2) Tabula Rasa
3) Social control
4) Social Solidarity

Question 5

term: homogeneity

Answer 5

teaches same values

Question 6

term: tabula rasa

Answer 6

removes egoistic and asocial personality traits

Question 7

term: social control

Answer 7

children learn the difference between right and wrong

Question 8

term: social solidarity

Answer 8

loyalty to society

Question 9

what are the 2 MAIN functions education provides

Answer 9

1) Secondary Socialisation- homogeneity, tabula rasa, social control
2) Integration- social solidarity

Question 10

sociologist: Parsons

Answer 10

education acts as a bridge between family and society

Question 11

Parsons bridge: family details

Answer 11

• particularistic values
• valued for personal qualities
• ascribed status

Question 12

Parsons bridge: school details

Answer 12

• meritocratic principles
• school hands out rewards for different level of achievement
• achieved status

Question 13

Parsons bridge: society details

Answer 13

• universalistic values
• valued against universal measures for GCSEs, skills
• achieved status

Question 14

Sociologists: Davis and Moore (3)

Answer 14

• most able and hardworking students are rewarded with the best qualifications which able them to access higher status/paid jobs in society
• education system is meritocratic and works to sift and sort individuals into roles most suited for them- ROLE ALLOCATION
• those who leave school with best qualifications do so because most able so fill more functionally important positions- MERITOCRACY

Question 15

Evaluation

Answer 15

• is society just based on universalistic values eg politics dominated by higher classes?
• is education meritocratic?