functionalists view on education

Question 1

what does Durkheim argue about social solidarity?

Answer 1

education should promote social solidarity through teachings of shared norms and values through lessons such as history

Question 2

what did Michael Gove do to instil social solidarity to the curriculum?

Answer 2

reforms to the curriculum began in 2013 with history where the curriculum should teach british

Question 3

criticisms of Durkheim’s social solidarity

Answer 3

marxists argue this serves ruling class ideologies and marginalises some groups in society
Ball argues curriculum is centred on empire and fails to teach diversity

Question 4

what does Durkheim argue about specialist skills?

Answer 4

this is producing generations with a set of skills for future employment

Question 5

how does the education system provide specialist skills?

Answer 5

marxists argue students are taught fragmented knowledge
there is a high number of youth in NEETS which shows skills doesn’t always guarantee jobs
feminists argue girls are discouraged from certain subjects

Question 6

what does Parsons argue about meritocracy?

Answer 6

describes idea of education being a bridge to wider society from family life where school prepares people for wider society

Question 7

criticisms of Parsons

Answer 7

marxists argue this transmits values of capitalism and ruling class

Question 8

what do Davis and Moore argue?

Answer 8

education sifts and sorts pupils based on their ability where most able pupils are able to go to higher positions in society and be rewarded for working hard

Question 9

criticisms of Davis and Moore

Answer 9

marxists argue meritocracy is a myth
feminists argue there is still a gender pay gap