P1 Education - Functionalists Flashcards
What do Functionalists believe is the role of education in society?
Functionalists believe that education is a positive institution as it helps individuals to come together to prepare for their future and help society function as it should.
What’s one role of education according to Functionalists?
Socialisation - the process of learning how to behave according to the expected norms of your culture.
What does Durkheim (functionalism) say about socialisation?
That education emphasises moral responsibility to society and not each other. He did not want a state of anomie and individualism as this creates social disorder
What does Talcott Parsons (functionalism) argue about socialisation?
Parsons argue that education forms a bridge between family and society by socialising children to a meritocratic view of achievement.
What’s another role of education according to Functionalists?
Skills provision - education teaches the skills that are needed by the modern industrial society (general literacy/numeracy and specific skills required for jobs)
What does Durkheim (functionalism) believe about skills provision?
That education passes on specific skills through through the FORMAL CURRICULUM but also education passes on general skills through the HIDDEN CURRICULUM (this promotes social solidarity)
Whats the third role of education according to Functionalists?
Role Allocation - Davis and Moore believe that it’s based on a meritocratic system where every pupil has an equal chance of success. Those who work hard get qualifications and a good job and those with fewer qualifications get jobs that are lesser in society.
What are criticisms of the Functionalist Approach to education?
1.Some groups underachieve, education is not fair at all.
2. Marxists argue it teaches values of the “ruling class”
3.Not enough links with work: too theoretical and less vocational.
