Talcott Parsons - Education (Functionalist)

Question 1

What are some of Parsons key ideas on education?

Answer 1

• Believes that education is the main agency of socialisation, and that it’s a bridge between family and society, and that it prepares children for their adult roles.
• Children in families have an ascribed status (born with) and are judged according to particularistic standards (judged by their families and it’s values) But in society they judged by universalistic standards that apply to everyone in the same way. Parsons believes that the education system prepares children to enter the wider society by operating on the basis of achieved status.
• Schools, as an agency, promote two key values = achievement and equal opportunity. Advanced industrial societies need a system of rewarding individuals based on their achievement. Having been through school, people accept this, as long as there is equal opportunity.
• Role allocation: the education system matches individuals to their future jobs and status, based on their talents and abilities. In a meritocracy, the most able reach the top jobs.

Question 2

What are some criticisms of Parsons?

Answer 2

• Marxists argue that the system transmits values that only benefit the dominant groups of society.
• Some feminists question whether the education system is based on meritocracy and whether is provides equal opportunities.
• Critics question how fair role allocation is effective or meritocratic. People with the best qualifications do not always get the top jobs.