The role of Education

Question 1

What do functionalists say about education?

Answer 1

They value education in the respect that it provides necessary functions for the rest of society

Question 2

What do the new right say about Education?

Answer 2

In order to fulfil such functions, schools should be centred around the consumer and their choices

Question 3

What do Marxists say about education?

Answer 3

Criticise both functionalists and the new right in arguing the education system merely serves the needs of capitalism by ensuring the failure of working-class pupils

Question 4

What do feminists say about education?

Answer 4

Rejects the education system for producing gender inequalities.

Question 5

What does Durkheim say about the role of education (Functionalism) ?

Answer 5

• Identifies 2 main functions of education: social + specialist skills
  -The education system helps to create social solidarity by transmitting society’s culture from one generation to the next
  -Schools act as a ‘society in miniature’ preparing us for life in wider society

Question 6

What does Parsons say about the role of education (Functionalism)?

Answer 6

-Argues that schools are meritocratic- all pupils have an equal chance to succeed through talent and abilities, irrespective of class, gender, ethnicity etc

Question 7

What does Davis and Moore say about the role of education (Functionalism)?

Answer 7

• Believe that schools perform the function of selecting and allocating pupils to their future work roles by assessing individuals aptitudes and abilities, schools help to match them to the job they are best suited to