Functionalist Theory of Education Flashcards
Durkheim
Founder of the functionalist theory. Two main theories consisted of creating social solidarity and teaching of high level skills. He wants individuals to feel like they belong to a community.
Parsons
Sees schools as being the bridge between family and wider society. Argues that education spreads values among people such as individuality and competition.
Bridge
social relationships of exchange, often of associations between people with shared interests or goals but contrasting social identity
Universalistic standards
rules and values that apply equally to all members of society, regardless of who they are
Particularistic Standards
rules and values that give priority to personal relationships
Norms
rules or expectations that are socially enforced and agreed by everyone
values
a culture’s standard for discerning and what is good in society
Ascribed Status
social status of someone that is assigned at birth or assumed involuntarily later in life
Achieved Status
a status that has been achieved by someone due to efforts
Socialisation Function
prepares people to participate in a social group by teaching them its norms and expectations
Meritocracy
a social system where each section is a reflection of the individuals capabilities and merits rather than on the basis of family, wealth, or social
Economic Function
the provision of goods and services. Economics makes society possible
Society in Miniture
education provided children with necessary secondary socialisation
Equality of Opportunity
everyone in society gets equal opportunities
Integration
the act of bringing together smaller components into a single functioning unit
