Functionalists theories of education Flashcards
What is functionalists account of education based upon:
The concept of meritocracy
Functionalists theorist: Durkheim main functions of education
Socialise children to the norms and values agreed by society - the value consensus
Functionalist theorist: What did Durkheim stress the chief role of education should be:
To encourage in children a sense of social solidarity
Stated school acts as a “society in miniature”, preparing for life in wider society
Schools are also necessary to provide a workforce with a diverse range of skills for an industrial society
Functionalists approach a number of core features of education:
Teaching the skills needed for economic growth
Secondary socialisation
Role allocation
Functionalist theorist: Parsons
Education is the main secondary agent of socialisation
Functionalist theorist: Davis and Moore
Developed Parsons idea of ‘role allocation’ and link it to social stratification
What is social stratification?
A means of ensuring that the most talented people fill the positions that are most functionally important for society
According to Davis and Moore, why is it important for role allocation to be meritocratic?
Provides inspiration for others
Most able for the role will get it
Fair
Functionalist theorist: Schultz
Argued high levels of spending on education and training justified to develop people’s knowledge and skills
What is human capital?
Progression of people learning skills for work
People get jobs that match their skill level
Long term investment - put money into education, paid back in the economy
