The Role of Education

Question 1

What do Functionalists believe is the role of education?

Answer 1

• Socialises young people into values of achievement, competition, equality of opportunity, social solidarity, democracy, religion and morality.
• Needs to emphasise moral responsibilities that members of society have towards each other and the wider society.

Question 2

What do functionalists believe about the teaching of history?

Answer 2

• The teaching of history is important because it develops a sense of loyalty to your own society and country.

Question 3

What does Parsons say education produces?

Answer 3

• Parsons –> education helps to produce a value consensus

Question 4

What does education teach according to Functionalists?

Answer 4

The skills required by a modern industrial society. They can be general or specific.
General skills - skills that everyone needs like literacy or numeracy.
Specific skills - needed for particular occupations

Question 5

What does the Functionalist theory on education tie in closely with?

Answer 5

The human capital theory –> claim investment in humans through education and training acts a lot like investment in new machinery.

Question 6

According to Davis and Moore, what does education do:

Answer 6

• Allocates people to the most appropriate job for their talents, using examinations and qualifications.
• Examination system encourages competition, individual achievement and hard work.
• Most capable people get most important jobs in society.
• High rewards for some jobs are justified because the system is based on merit and it benefits society.
• The rewards system ensures those doing the most important jobs are awarded the highest pay.

Question 7

What are some criticisms of a Functionalist approach to education?

Answer 7

• In terms of skills provision, many argue that the education system doesn’t produce the skills needed for the economy.
• Assumes everyone has the same access to a high quality education.
• Education doesn’t necessarily transmit values to all of its pupils.

Question 8

What are some criticisms of the Marxist approach to education?

Answer 8

• The hidden curriculum isn’t always accepted - some students rebel.
• Education isn’t simply reproducing workers. The workplace requires teamwork rather than obedience.
• Bowles and Gintis conducted their research in 1976 in America - is this even applicable to Britain?

Question 9

What do Neo-Marxists believe Marxists and Functionalists do.

Answer 9

That they overemphasise conformity in education.