the role of education - functionalism Flashcards
what is functionalism?
> the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus
(a consensus approach)
name two functionalists
> Emile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons
what two functions of education does Durkheim promote?
> social solidarity
specialist skills
what is social solidarity?
it emphasizes the interdependence between individuals in a society, which allows individuals to feel that they can enhance the lives of others
(social norm and values)
what is Durkheim’s theory of social solidarity?
> its the cohesion between individuals in a society that ensures social order and stability
without social solidarity, social life and co-operation would be impossible as each individual would pursue their own selfish desires
how does the education system apply the idea of social solidarity?
> by transmitting society’s culture - teaching of a county’s history instils in children a sense of shared heritage and a commitment to the wider social group
school prepares us for life in wider society as in both work and school we have to cooperate with people who are neither family or friends, but also we have to interact with others according to a set of impersonal rules that apply to everyone
what is meritocracy?
> a social system in which individuals are rewarded through social position or other goods based on their demonstrated talent, intelligence and skills (rather than because of their wealth)
in a meritocracy everyone is given an equal opportunity and everyone achieve rewards through their own effort and ability
what does Durkheim say about specialist skills?
that education teaches individuals the specialist knowledge and skills that they need to play their part in the social division of labour.
what is Parsons’ theory of meritocracy?
> Parsons sees school as a bridge between family and and wider society - this bridge is needed because family and society operate on different principles, so children need to learn a new way of living if they are to cope with the wider world
within the family the child is judged by particularistic standards
Parsons sees school as preparing us to move from the family to wider society as school and society are both based on meritocratic principles
how does the education system apply the idea of meritocracy?
> both school and the wider society judge us all by the same universalistic and impersonal standards e.g - in society the same laws apply to everyone and similarly in school each pupil is judged against the same standards
in both, a persons status is largely achieved and not ascribed
list evaluation points of the functionalist perspective
> the education system does not teach specialised skills adequately as Durkheim claims
equal opportunity in education does not exist (e.g - achievement is greatly influenced by class background rather than ability)
neoliberals and the new right argue that the state education system fails to prepare young people adequately for work
