T5: The role of education in society Flashcards
What is functionalism?
View society as a system of interdependent parts held together by value consensus for the greater good of society.
Define social solidarity/value consensus.
A shared understanding of norms among people in a society. It helps to make people believe they belong.
Define culture.
Shared beliefs and values.
Define the division of labour.
Where the production of even a single item involves co-operation of specialists. Helps to promote social solidarity.
What is functionalist Durkheim’s (1903) perspective on education?
Identified two main functions of education, creating social solidarity and teaching Specialist skills.
How is social solidarity created by education according to Durkheim?
Education system creates social solidarity by transmitting society’s culture from one generation to the next e.g by teaching history.
School also acts as a society in miniature, preparing children for wider society.
How are specialist skills created by education according to Durkheim?
Schools teach children specialist skills needed to play their part within the division of labour.
What are the two type of status’?
Achieved and Ascribed.
What does achieved status mean?
Status that has been given to a person due to their hard work. Usually gained later on in life. E.g A promotion at work.
What does functionalist Parsons’ (1961) perspective on education.
Parsons’ believes school helps to prepare children for wider society by acting as a ‘Focal socialising agency’. School judges children based on Universalistic standards, and status is achieved not ascribed, similar to the workplace.
Both school and society are built around meritocratic principles, and children know what to expect when they leave school.
