The Functionalist Approach

Question 1

What is functionalism?

Answer 1

An approach in sociology; social structures explained by the role they play in society

Question 2

What did Durkheim say about ‘social solidarity’?

Answer 2

1. The major function of education is to maintain social solidarity by transmitting society’s norms and values
2. School is miniature work life and prepares pupils for adult life
3. Education teaches skills for specialised workforce

Question 3

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) What does socialisation mean?

Answer 3

Transmission of key cultural values:
1. Competition
2. Equality of opportunity
3. Social solidarity

Question 4

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) what does Durkheim say about socialisation (what should education emphasise?)

Answer 4

Education should emphasise moral responsibilities to society and each other

Question 5

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) What does Parsons add to Durkheim’s idea about socialisation?

Answer 5

Education = secondary socialisation = bridge between family and society by socialising children into meritocratic view of achievement = universal standard

Question 6

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) what does value consensus have to do with socialisation?

Answer 6

It’s essential for society to function
1. Value of achievement
2. Value of equal opportunity

Question 7

What does meritocratic mean?

Answer 7

Success by ability, equality of opportunity

Question 8

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) What does Skill Provision mean?

Answer 8

Education teaches skills needed by the modern industrial society
1. General skills taught through hidden curriculum (literacy, numeracy)
2. Specific skills taught through formal curriculum (skills for jobs)

Question 9

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) What do Davis & Moore say about role allocation?

Answer 9

Based on the meritocratic system, everyone has equal chance of success

Question 10

(Three functions of education according to functionalists) What else does role allocation mean?

Answer 10

Sorting and testing pupils, therefore putting them on the right way
Hard-working people achieve top jobs, while those with fewer qualifications get lesser jobs (which is not negative and prepares them for future work life)

Question 11

What do Marxists criticise about the functionalist approach to education?

Answer 11

The system does not teach shared values, but RC values

Question 12

What are further criticisms about the functionalist approach to education? —> 6

Answer 12

1. Some groups underachieve —> the system is not fair for all
2. Gender, ethnicity and social class have influence on performance (not meritocratic)
3. Not enough links with work, as the view is too uncritical and traditional
4. Existence of division within the education system
5. Existence of anti-school subcultures (school does not promote social solidarity)
6. It is argued that the system emphasises individual competition rather than a shared set of ideas

Question 13

What does socialisation mean?

Answer 13

The process of learning how to behave according to the expected norms of your culture

Question 14

What does value consensus mean?

Answer 14

Shared norms and values in a society of right and wrong

Question 15

What is the collective conscience?

Answer 15

The shared beliefs and moral attitudes which lead to social order

Question 16

What is the consensus theory?

Answer 16

Functionalism is a consensus theory — society is functional and we know how to behave

Question 17

What does structuralist mean?

Answer 17

Human behaviour is shaped by society (top down)

Question 18

What does interdependent mean?

Answer 18

Parts of society all work together and rely on each other for the smooth running of society

Question 19

What does social solidarity mean?

Answer 19

The feeling of belonging in society