functionalists Flashcards
durkheim
Functionalist, Emile Durkheim, is the founding father of sociology.
organic theory
sociological perspective which sees society as made up of parts which work together to maintain society as an integrated whole.
functionalist view on education
Functionalism is a consensus view that sees society as being essentially harmonious.
Society has basic needs, including the need for social order. To survive, society needs social solidarity through everyone sharing the same norms and values. Otherwise, society would disintegrate.
Social institutions such as education perform positive functions both for society as a whole and for individuals, by socialising new members of society and by helping to create and sustain social solidarity.
Functionalism is a conservative view of society.
solidarity and skills
It promotes social solidarity (social cohesion) without which society would fall apart. By transmitting society’s shared culture (its norms and values), education binds people together and enables them to cooperate. Teaching a common history and shared rituals (such as singing the national anthem) is important to show pupils they share the same past and have a common purpose. Education also teaches children to follow universalistic rules which are essential for cooperation in society.
Education prepares young people for work.
Industrial societies have a specialised division of labour which requires people to undergo often long periods of training of specific occupations. Education equips individuals with the specialist skills needed to participate in a modern economy.
british values
In the UK, social solidarity is achieved through the teaching of British values, which is compulsory in all UK schools.
This forms part of the hidden curriculum - all the lessons that are taught in school without being formally taught.
socilalisation and meritocracy
parsons - meritocracy is a
society where jobs and
pay are allocated on the
basis purely of people’s individual talents, abilities, qualifications and skills.
primary socilisation
During primary socialisation the child is judged by particularistic standards and status is ascribed, that is, fixed by birth.
education values
Education teaches universalistic values and acts as a bridge between family and wider society. Status is achieved.
meritocracy
Individual achievement Everyone achieves their status through their own efforts and abilities. It is not where you come from but what you can do that gives you your position in society.
Equal opportunity for every individual to achieve their full potential.
society in miniature
School is a miniature version of wider society - both are meritocratic. In school, individuals succeed or fail depending on their own ability and effort. This prepares them for life in modern society and its economy, which is competitive and individualistic.
social mobility
Social mobility refers to movement of ‘groups or individuals
up or down the social
hierarchy.
davis and moore role allocation
For Davis and Moore (1945), the main function of education is role allocation - the selection and allocation of individuals to their future work roles.
Education ‘sifts and sorts’ individuals. For society to function effectively, the most talented individuals need to be allocated to the most important jobs.
Higher rewards are offered for these jobs to motivate everyone to strive for them. A meritocratic education system allows everyone to compete equally.
human capital theory schultz
Modern industrial society is technologically advanced, so the skills of its workforce are its main economic asset or ‘capital’. A meritocratic education is the best way to develop a sufficiently skilled workforce and thus create greater economic efficiency and higher living standards.
