Sociological Theories & Functionalists Views of Education Flashcards

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1
Q

What are state schools?

A

Run by the government

No fees for parents to pay

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2
Q

What are private schools?

A

Charge fees for children to attend

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3
Q

What are public schools?

A

The ‘elite’ private schools e.g. Eton

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4
Q

What is the structuralist theory?

A

Society shapes the individual

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5
Q

What is the macro theory?

A

It looks at society as a whole

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6
Q

What is consensus theory?

A

It believes there must be agreement about society’s norms and values for society to work.

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7
Q

What is The Organic Analogy?

A

Society is like a human body

Both are made up of different parts with each part having a function that it must perform for either the body or society to work.

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8
Q

What is social solidarity?

A

Durkheim (functionalist)

Social solidarity means social unity so everyone feels a part of society and share the same norms and values creating a value consensus - this is essential to avoid conflict in society.

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9
Q

What did Durkheim see education as?

A

As a ‘society in a miniature’ which reinforces the norms and values of society and prepares children for adult life.

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10
Q

What kind of society has a complex division of labour?

A

Modern industrial society

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11
Q

What is complex division of labour?

A

Jobs each requiring their own specialist skills

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12
Q

Why does education teach specialist skills?

A

To maintain a healthy economy because each job is performed by someone with specialist skills

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13
Q

What are particularistic standards?

A

Rules that apply to a particular person in the family

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14
Q

What are universalistic standards?

A

Standards that apply to everyone in society e.g. laws

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15
Q

What is ascribed status?

A

Status that is fixed from birth e.g. your parents

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16
Q

How is a persons status in education and society determined?

A

Achieved through an individual’s hard work

17
Q

Why do universalistic standards make education and society meritocratic?

A

Everyone is given the same chance to succeed through their own individual efforts.

18
Q

How does education help with role allocation?

A

They allocate pupils to their future work roles by identifying their skills and talents and matching them to a job they are best suited for.

19
Q

How does education allocate pupils to future job roles?

A

Through ‘sifting and sorting’ pupils through exams to test their ability.

The most able get the best qualifications and then the most important jobs.

20
Q

How is ‘sifting and sorting’ pupils through exams meritocratic?

A

All pupils start with an equal opportunity to succeed.

21
Q

Why do Marxists argue education doesn’t create a value consensus?

A

Because it is a part of a ruling class ideology that only spreads a middle class culture known as habitus.

22
Q

Why do Marxists argue that meritocracy is a myth?

A

Because social class determines educational success, not effort or talent

23
Q

What do feminists argue schools pass on?

A

Argue they pass on patriarchal values which disadvantage women

24
Q

Why do Marxists argue role allocation may not work?

A

Schools may not identify a pupils talent.

Marxists argue that there is no equality of opportunity meaning role allocation is not equal