Functionalist Views on Education

Question 1

what is functionalism

Answer 1

the idea is that society is composed of different parts and each performs functions to enable society to achieve social order and stability

Question 2

who is the ‘founding father’ of functionalism

Answer 2

French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1893)

Question 3

what idea does the theory rest on

Answer 3

society is based on social order and society

Question 4

social solidarity

Answer 4

a group coming together as one. they’re respectful and loyal, working together to work as one.

Question 5

value consensus

Answer 5

shared agreement and mutual viewpoint

Question 6

equilibrium

Answer 6

a sense of stability and balance

Question 7

Durkheim’s organic analogy

Answer 7

as the human body is made up of different organs with a separate function to perform to operate healthily, the same applies for society

Question 8

how does education contribute to society

Answer 8

it creates a sense of belonging, e.g. in classes and friend groups
you learn about different cultures and societies
it’s like a microcosm for society

Question 9

how does education contribute to value consensus

Answer 9

teachers listen to student’s concerns in an attempt to relieve them, student’s trust them to do so

Question 10

how does education contribute to an equilibrium

Answer 10

each person should be treated equally and different cultures should acknowledge their differences

Question 11

four important sociologists

Answer 11

• Durkheim (1893)
• Parsons (1961)
• Davis and Moore (1967)
• Blau and Duncan (1978)

Question 12

what did Durkhiem say was the only way for society to survive

Answer 12

if there was a strong degree of social solidarity

Question 13

how does Durkheim say education establishes strong degree of social solidarity

Answer 13

it transmits norms, beliefs and values to all pupils

Question 14

homogeneous

Answer 14

all people being the same, acting as one, standardised and uniform

Question 15

how does Durkheim say that the ed system integrates people more closely into education

Answer 15

schools follow a standardised curriculum to all pupils, helping promote a value consensus and produce a homogeneous society.
in schools students realise they are par of something much larger than themselves and develop a commitment to this, promoting social solidarity

Question 16

what do modern industrial economies have, according to Durkheim

Answer 16

a complex division of labour

Question 17

what does the ed system act as a vehicle for (in a nation)

what does this provide

Answer 17

developing the human resources of a nation

providing an adequate supply of trained people with skills required for specialist roles with the economy

Question 18

who agrees with many of durkheims ideas

Answer 18

Parsons (1961)

Question 19

what does Parsons see schools as a vital source for

Answer 19

secondary socialisation

Question 20

what does school act as a bridge between

Answer 20

the family and society as a whole

Question 21

what does Parsons say children are judged by within the family

Answer 21

particularistic standards (not a formal standard)

Question 22

what does Parsons say individuals are judged by within wider society

Answer 22

universalistic standards (applied to all members)

Question 23

what does Parsons say success is achieved by

Answer 23

meritocratic principles, reflecting how much society as a whole operates

Question 24

what do Parson and Durkheim say school represents

Answer 24

a miniature society, reflecting the operation as a whole and preparing individuals for adult roles

Question 25

what do Davis and Moore (1967) see education as a preparation for

Answer 25

work

Question 26

when were Davis and Moore

Answer 26

1967

Question 27

what do Davis and Moore link the ed system to

Answer 27

the stratification (class) system
social inequality

Question 28

what do Davis and Moore say about inequality

Answer 28

its necessary to ensure the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented individuals

Question 29

how does society encourage ideas about inequality

Answer 29

it offers highest rewards to the most important roles to encourage the most able

Question 30

how does ed play a part in giving the most talented people people the highest rewarding jobs

Answer 30

it sifts sorts and grades in terms of abilities places them in different bands sets etc.
it provides a curriculum to ensure they fulfil their potential

Question 31

when were Blau and Duncan

Answer 31

1978

Question 32

what do Blau and Duncan say a modern economy depends on for its prosperity

Answer 32

using its human capitals (its workers skills)

Question 33

what do Blau and Duncan say a meritocratic ed system does best, why

Answer 33

using its human capitals sit enables each person to be allocated to the job best suited to their abilities, making most effective use of their talents and maximising their productivity