Sociology Paper 1: Education Flashcards
1
Q
What does DURKHEIM say about the functions of Education?
A
- secondary socialisation
- universal norms and values
- instils social solidarity
- rules and how to follow them
- society in miniature
2
Q
What did PARSONS say about the functions of education?
A
- developed Durkheim’s ideas
- a bridge between home and society
- role allocation
- meritocracy
- universal standards, whereas in the household parents have different standards for children
3
Q
What did DAVIS AND MOORE say about the function of education?
A
- sifting and sorting
- meritocracy
- important to have unequal rewards to create competition
4
Q
Evaluations on Functionalist Views
A
- myth of meritocracy (reproduces class inequalities) - marxists
- outdated - marxist
- not shared values - bourgeoisie ideology
5
Q
What do Marxists say about the function of education?
A
- hidden curriculum (ALTHUSSER - accept social inequalities)
- BOWLES AND GINTIS - correspondence principle
- reinforces class inequalities, so that people are unlikely to challenge system
- meritocracy is a myth (proletariat set up for failure)
6
Q
Criticisms of the correspondence principle
A
- neglects gender and ethnicity as factors
- less correspondence than they suggest
- make the process of schooling too similar to work
- over-simplistic
- underestimated working-class resistance to being controlled
7
Q
Similarities between functionalist and Marxist perspectives:
A
- both agree education shapes the norms and values of children
- education prepares pupils for work
8
Q
Differences between functionalist and marxist perspectives:
A
- functionalists hold a positive view of the education system, Marxists critical
- functionalists claim education meets everyone’s needs, Marxists say it only benefits the ruling class
9
Q
the feminist perspective of education
A
- inequalities between boys and girls
- gendered subject choices
- plays a role in socialisation
- girls are now outperforming boys at all levels of education, but the system still reinforces patriarchy so girls get lower-paying jobs (in spite of the system, not because of it)
- genderquake (WILKINSON) increased aspirations of women (SHARPE saw girls aspirations change from the 70s to the 90s)
10
Q
criticisms of feminist perspective
A
- don’t consider class/ethnicity
- SEWELL, feminisation of the education system (more female teachers, exams aimed at girls)
11
Q
different types of schools
A
- state-funded comprehensive (93% of children)
- independent/private schools (7%)
- specialist schools (ended in 2010, emphasis on certain subjects)
- academies (failed schools taken over by companies)
12
Q
different types of schools (continued)
A
- special schools (usually for learning/physical disabilities)
- free school (set up by teachers/charities and funded by the government and have more control)
- faith schools
- grammar schools (acceptance based on academic ability)
13
Q
arguments for private schooling:
A
- small class sizes
- do not have to follow the national curriculum
- better facilities
- academic culture (higher work ethic, better results, entrance exams)
- parents have a choice on how to spend their money
- acceptance from top unis/top jobs
14
Q
arguments against private schools:
A
- inequality (class divides, harder for working-class students to gain entry to Oxbridge)
- socially divisive
- fewer people will invest in state education if their own children are privately educated
15
Q
what is de-schooling?
A
- teaching methods within school do not work for every child
- school stops children’s individuality/curiosity
- need more flexible teaching methods
