Functionalist view Flashcards
P1: What is the functionalist view of education’s role in socialisation?
Functionalists argue that education socialises individuals into shared norms and values, ensuring value consensus and social integration.
How does Durkheim (1903) explain the role of education in socialisation?
Durkheim saw schools as a ‘society in miniature,’ teaching key societal values such as respect, discipline, and cooperation, which creates social cohesion and prepares students for wider society.
What evidence supports the claim that education promotes value consensus?
: Schools reinforce British values such as democracy and tolerance through citizenship lessons and assemblies.
How does education contribute to social stability?
Education creates stability and prevents social conflict by unifying individuals under common norms.
What is the Marxist critique of the functionalist view of socialisation?
Althusser (1971) argues that education is an Ideological State Apparatus, conditioning students to accept capitalism rather than uniting all individuals equally.
P2: What is the functionalist view of meritocracy in education?
: Functionalists argue that education is meritocratic, meaning individuals succeed based on ability and effort rather than background.
How does Parsons (1961) explain the role of education in role allocation?
Parsons saw education as a bridge between family and society, shifting individuals from particularistic values (family-based) to universalistic values where status is achieved, not ascribed.
What evidence supports the claim that education is meritocratic?
The exam system and grades reward those who work hard, supposedly ensuring that talented individuals get the best jobs through fair competition.
How does education promote social mobility?
Education provides equal opportunities, enabling social mobility for those who put in effort.
What is the Marxist and feminist critique of meritocracy?
Bourdieu (1977) claims that middle-class students have more cultural capital, giving them an unfair advantage. Kelly (1987) highlights how STEM subjects are male-dominated, limiting meritocracy for girls.
P3: What is the functionalist view of education’s economic function?
Functionalists argue that education prepares individuals for the workforce by providing necessary skills and qualifications for the economy.
How do Davis & Moore (1945) explain the role of education in role allocation?
Davis & Moore state that education sorts and sifts individuals into different roles in the labour market based on ability, ensuring that the most talented fill the most important jobs.
What evidence supports the claim that education prepares students for the workforce?
The introduction of vocational education and apprenticeships is designed to match students to suitable career paths.
How does education benefit society economically?
Education ensures a skilled workforce for economic growth, benefiting both individuals and society.
What is the Marxist critique of education’s economic function?
Bowles & Gintis (1976) argue that schools reproduce class inequality through the hidden curriculum, teaching obedience, hierarchy, and conformity to benefit capitalist employers.
P4: What is the functionalist view of education’s role in social control?
Functionalists argue that education ensures social order by teaching discipline and respect for authority.
How does education enforce social control?
Schools enforce rules, punishments, and structured routines, which prepare students for following laws and workplace hierarchies.
What evidence supports the claim that education promotes social control?
School rules on punctuality and uniform mirror the expectations of the workplace, reinforcing social stability.
How does education contribute to reducing deviance and crime?
Education ensures a well-functioning society by teaching discipline and respect for authority, reducing deviance and crime.
What is the interactionist critique of education’s role in social control?
Becker (1971) argues that schools label students based on teacher expectations, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies and reinforcing inequalities.
