the role of education in society Flashcards
what type of approach is functionalism ?
a consensus approach
what is a consensus theory ?
we all agree on shared norms and values
what do functionalists argue about education ?
education is an important social institution that helps meet the needs of society and maintain stability
what do functionalists say the role of education is ?
helps to maintain society as a whole
what does Durkheim say is the two roles of education ?
creating social solidarity and teaching specialist skills
what is social solidarity ?
social ties which bind us together
what does Durkheim say about social solidarity ?
education helps to create social solidarity by transmitting societies shared norms and values (culture) to each generation
what does Durkheim say about specialist skills ?
education teaches pupils the specialist skills they need for the social division of labour - vocational skills BTEC
How does education prepare students according to Functionalists ?
schools act as a mirror of the workplace to prepare students for wider society
what is Marxists criticism of Durkheim’s view on the role of education ?
the values and heritage being passed down is of the ruling classes, students become over qualified for jobs which creates excessive competition in job markets
what is Ball’s criticism of Durkheim’s view ?
ethnocentric curriculum fails to teach other history despite diversity
what are the two types of socialisation according to Parsons ?
primary (at home) and secondary (outside home i.e school)
what does Parsons argue about the role of education ?
‘bridge effect’, education acts as a bridge between particularistic values of the home and universalistic values of society
how does education promote individualism ?
by preparing students to sacrifice their collective bonds of their communities for their career
2 examples of how education acts as a bridge
competition between students moves them from collectivism to individualism
the hidden curriculum/noms & values of the school (being punctual, sanctions)
what is Marxists criticism of Parsons view ?
the hidden curriculum prepares students for exploitation as it transmits values of capitalism
what is meant by Davis and Moore’s ‘role allocation’
education selects and allocates pupils to their future roles by assessing their ability and aptitudes
what does role allocation help promote ?
social mobility and meritocracy (hard work = high grades)
what is Marxist criticism of role allocation
doesn’t promote meritocracy as its a myth and it helps legitimise inequality as it shifts the blame of failure onto the individual rather than the education system
what is setting and streaming
when students are sifted and sorted based on their ability into sets/subject choices
what do the New right agree with Functionalists on the role of education ?
promoting social solidarity and teaching specialist skills
what is the New rights view on education ?
governments should have less involvement in areas such as education and allow market forces to play a greater role
what do the New right say competition between schools would result in ?
higher standards as schools would want to attract parents and compete for students
why do the New right believe parents should be given choice ?
to promote competition
