Functionalist View On The Role Of Education

Question 1

What does the role of socialisation do in education?

Answer 1

Helps maintain society, teaches norms and values. Creates social solidarity.

Question 2

What does the role of Skills Provision do in education?

Answer 2

Teaches skills required by modern industrial society. These maybe general or more specific for occupations.

Question 3

What does the role of role allocation do in education?

Answer 3

Education allocates people to most appropriate job for their talents.

Question 4

What does Parsons see the role of education being?

Answer 4

Socialisation and Meritocracy.

Question 5

How does secondary socialisation play a part in education?

Answer 5

During Primary socialisation within the family children are treated as ‘special’. Wider society cannot function like this. Everyone treated the same (all equal before law). Education teaches this and acts as a bridge between fam and soc.

Question 6

What does Parsons say Meritocratic society is based on two values?

Answer 6

Individual achievement (not where you come from)

Equal opportunity (full potential) 
School is miniature version of wider society- both meritocratic prepares them for life in society.

Question 7

What do Davis and Moore say the role of education is?

Answer 7

Role allocation.

Question 8

What is role allocation?

Answer 8

• Some more talented.
• Society to function, most talented need to be allocated most important jobs.
• Meritocratic education system allows everyone to be equal. Sorting hat, most talented = +qualifications & +jobs.
• Therefore society is more productive, most able do most important jobs.

Question 9

Another role of education similar to Davis and Moore is?

Answer 9

Human Capital Theory

Question 10

What is the human capital theory?

Answer 10

Modern industrial society is technologically advanced, skills of workforce are it’s main economic asset or ‘capital’. Meritocratic education system develops a sufficiently skilled workforce=greater economic efficiency and higher living standards.

Question 11

Name 3 evaluations of Functionalism?

Answer 11

> Education is not meritocratic, schools discriminate against some groups (working class/blacks).
Hargreaves (1982) schools place more value on individuals, rather than social solidarity, as Durkheim claims.
Education doesn’t necessarily equip people for future work roles.

Question 12

What are the three main functions of education according to functionalists? (Durkheim)

Answer 12

1. Socialisation
2. Skills Provision
3. Role Allocation