Parsons on education ( topic 1 ) Flashcards
What does parsons believe about education ?
He also believes in Durkheim’s views that education performs an important role in establishing norms and values.
What is parsons particularly interested in ?
How education facilitates role allocation.
What does the education system help society to be according to Parsons ?
Meritocratic.
What is meritocracy ?
A society where jobs and pay are allocated based on an individual’s talent and achievements rather than social status.
What does Meritocracy encourage the belief of ?
Hard work will be rewarded in society whereas those who do not will not be rewarded.
What does the education system teach people ?
The value of making an effort , because effort is rewarded.
According to Parsons what does the reward system ensure ?
It ensures that people end up performing the social roles to which they are best suited in society.
What do Marxists think / believe about Functionalists ( Durkheim and Parsons ) view on role allocation ?
They believe that meritocracy is nothing but an ideology , this is called the myth of meritocracy. They argue that class inequalities are reprooduced in the next generation and that the education system plays a key role in this.
What do Marxists believe that the myth of meritocracy creates ?
A false class consciousness where the proletariat do not realise that they are being exploited by the bourgeoisie.
