Functionalist view of education Flashcards
Bridge
Describes social relationships of exchange between people with shared interests but contrasting social identities
Universalistic standards
Everyone is judged by the same standards regardless of class, race, ethnicity etc
Particularistic standards
Parents judge children as their own and unique rather than judging them by universal standards
Norms
Rules or expectations that are socially enforced
Values
Culture’s standards for what is right in society
Ascribed status
Social status assigned from birth or takes on involuntarily
Achieved status
Social position that can be earned on the basis of merit
Socialisation function
Prepares people to participate in a social group by teaching them norms and expectations
Meritocracy
Social system where success and status depend on individual talents, abilities and effort
Economic function
Provision of goods and services
Society in miniature
Durkheim argued school is a society in miniature,, preparing us for wider society
Equality of opportunity
Individuals provided with an equal chance in life regardless of social class, race, ethnicity etc.
Integration
The way different groups come together to form a whole in society
Social solidarity
We are unified in society by shared values and norms
Role allocation
Sorting people into roles they will later go on to perform in life
Consensus
An agreement
Hierarchy
Ranking of members based on social class, power or influence
What are the 4 main functions (functional prerequisites) of role of education
social solidarity
skills- specialized by division of labour
socialisation
role allocation
Evidence for education system
Socialises students into the universalistic values of wider society.
Sifts and sorts students into their roles for society
Through teaching subjects like history, social solidarity and harmony is created with common beliefs.
Exams are meritocratic
provides bridge between school and home
Evidence for exams
They allow for students to be rewarded on their merit. This keeps society balanced as everyone has a clear role based on their merit. Students who get the highest grades have the chance to go to the best universities and get the best jobs
Evidence for the hidden curriculum
Through rewards and values
Assemblies
Students are taught what behaviour is acceptable in wider society.
Assemblies teach norms and values
evidence for wearing uniform
Brings unity and shows how everyone is equal Teaches students that they need to conform to the uniform of the job they end up in = compliant workers
