Functions of the Education System (Functionalist)

Question 1

What are the four functions of the education system, according to a functionalist?

Answer 1

• Serving the needs of the economy
• Facilitating social mobility
• Fostering social cohesion
• Selection and role allocation

Question 2

Why is serving the needs of the economy important?

Answer 2

Because education has an economic role in teaching the knowledge and skills that future workers will need in a competitive global economy.

Question 3

Why is facilitating social mobility important?

Answer 3

The education system allows people to move up (or down) the social ladder. Gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds can achieve qualifications and move into a higher social class.

Question 4

Why is fostering social cohesion important?

Answer 4

Through subjects such as Citizenship, students identify themselves as British citizens. Schools help to reinforce the ‘glue’ or the social bonds that unite different people in society.

Question 5

Why is selection and role allocation important?

Answer 5

The education system works like a sieve, grading students and allocating them to jobs based on their individual merit, abilities and exam results.