Sociological Theories & Functionalists Views of Education Flashcards
What are state schools?
Run by the government
No fees for parents to pay
What are private schools?
Charge fees for children to attend
What are public schools?
The ‘elite’ private schools e.g. Eton
What is the structuralist theory?
Society shapes the individual
What is the macro theory?
It looks at society as a whole
What is consensus theory?
It believes there must be agreement about society’s norms and values for society to work.
What is The Organic Analogy?
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.
What is social solidarity?
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.
What did Durkheim see education as?
As a ‘society in a miniature’ which reinforces the norms and values of society and prepares children for adult life.
What kind of society has a complex division of labour?
Modern industrial society
What is complex division of labour?
Jobs each requiring their own specialist skills
Why does education teach specialist skills?
To maintain a healthy economy because each job is performed by someone with specialist skills
What are particularistic standards?
Rules that apply to a particular person in the family
What are universalistic standards?
Standards that apply to everyone in society e.g. laws
What is ascribed status?
Status that is fixed from birth e.g. your parents
How is a persons status in education and society determined?
Achieved through an individual’s hard work
Why do universalistic standards make education and society meritocratic?
Everyone is given the same chance to succeed through their own individual efforts.
How does education help with role allocation?
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.
How does education allocate pupils to future job roles?
Through ‘sifting and sorting’ pupils through exams to test their ability.
The most able get the best qualifications and then the most important jobs.
How is ‘sifting and sorting’ pupils through exams meritocratic?
All pupils start with an equal opportunity to succeed.
Why do Marxists argue education doesn’t create a value consensus?
Because it is a part of a ruling class ideology that only spreads a middle class culture known as habitus.
Why do Marxists argue that meritocracy is a myth?
Because social class determines educational success, not effort or talent
What do feminists argue schools pass on?
Argue they pass on patriarchal values which disadvantage women
Why do Marxists argue role allocation may not work?
Schools may not identify a pupils talent.
Marxists argue that there is no equality of opportunity meaning role allocation is not equal
