Role and functions of Education: Functionalism Flashcards
what does human capital mean?
the stock of Knowledge, skills,
values, habits and creativity
that makes someone an
economic asset to society.
what is the hidden curriculum?
the informal learning processes
that happen in school It is a
side effect of education that
teaches students the norms
and values of society.
what are particularistic values?
values and Rules which only
apply to that particular
Person in a given situation
(e.g. Home)
what are universalistic values?
values and Rules which apply
to all members of Society equally.
who is the key thinker of socialisation and social solidarity?
Durkheim
what is Durkheims’ explanation of socialisation and social solidarity?
The education system meets a functional pre-request
of society by passing on the cultural and values of society. This is achieved hidden curriculum and PSHE
lessons.
This helps to build social solidarity as it teaches
students the core values of society
who is the key thinker of the bridge between family and society?
Parsons
what is Parsons’ explanation for the bridge between family and society?
Parsons believed that schools provide a link between
the family and wider society which allows students to
move from the ascribed status and particularistic
values of the home to the meritocratic and
universalistic values of wider society.
who is the key thinker of developing human capital?
schultz
what is Schultz’ explanation for developing human capital?
This suggests that investment in education benefits the
wider economy. Education can provide properly
trained, qualified and flexible workforce. They argue
that education makes sure that the best and most
qualified people end up in jobs that require the most
skill.
who is the key thinker of role allocation?
Davis and Moore
what is the explanation for Davis and Moore’s idea of role allocation?
The education systems provides a means to selecting and sifting people into the social hierarchy. In a meritocratic society access to jobs and power, wealth
and status are directly linked to educational achievement.
what is the new rights’ view on the role of education?
Similar beliefs to the functionalists but believe that he state takes too much of a role and the free market policies (marketisation) would raise standards.
what does the new right believe schools should do with one another?
compete
what does the new right believe parents and pupils should be seen as?
consumers
what do Chubb and Moe suggest?
Education Vouchers and Parentocracy
what was the education policy introduced in the 1980’s?
vocational education
what did the 1988 education reform act introduce?
funding formula
league tables
what did the New Labour government introduce?
academies
what did the coalition government introduce?
free schools
privatisation of education
what do Functionalists ignore?
aspects of education which
are dysfunctional, such as negative conflict.
what is Marxists evaluation of Functionalists view on education?
Hidden Curriculum
reinforces social inequality and
maintains ruling class ideology.
what is Feminists evaluation of functionalists view on education?
Hidden curriculum
maintains and reinforces patriarchy not meritocracy.
what is wongs’ evaluation?
Functionalists see children
as passive puppets of socialisation when the process is much more complex and involves teacher – pupil relationships.
evaluation for weak link
There is a weak link between
educational achievement and
economic success.
How do functionalists view education?
As a positive institution that helps maintain social order and prepares individuals for society and the workforce.
