Theoretical Views On Education's Role

Question 1

Durkheim’s views on the functions of education.
And some of his key terms.

Answer 1

The purpose of education is to socialise the same views into a population so that there can be ‘social solidarity’.
History and heritage for example reflect these cultural values.
It acts as a miniature society with rules, schedules, and hierarchy.
It encourages diplomacy, discipline and team work.

Question 2

Parsons views,
And some key terms

Answer 2

School is responsible for secondary socialisation.
. They’re the ‘focal socialising agency’
It’s job is to teach meritocracy, where in contrast to the family, status and gain in life is earned not received (ideally) unconditionally.

Question 3

Who are the 3 Marxisis thinkers to remember?
In relation to the functions of education.

Answer 3

. Bowles and Gina’s
. Althusser
. Willis

Question 4

The New right thinkers in relation to speculating on free market theory and parentocracy, are who?

Answer 4

Chubb and Moe

Question 5

Chubb and Moe are what kind of thinkers and they believed what about education?

Answer 5

New right thinkers
. They believed that the education system when largely state provided, is a ‘one size fits all’ practice that’s unhelpful in helping a population so diverse in its needs thrive.

Question 6

The New right (mostly) do still think there’s a role for the state in education, what is it to them?

Answer 6

. Instilling cultural values, making sure schools are doing so. Eg: Durkheim, harmony through shared history.

. Inspection, and league tables, eg: OFSTED.

Question 7

What do Bowles and Gintis believe about the role of education?
What are their key terms?

Answer 7

They believe there’s a ‘hidden curriculum’, it’s function is to almost subliminally teach meritocracy and obedience.
This is to fragment ‘class consciousness’ because people will internalise that people’s problems are their own fault and that inequality is inevitable.

This is the ‘myth of meritocracy’

Question 8

Althusser believed in _ things within education that maintain Bourgeoisie hegemony.
What?

Answer 8

. Ideological
. Repressive
State Apparatus

Question 9

Davis and Moore were…

Answer 9

Functionalists.

But some of their social Darwinian ideas are evocative of the New Right’s emphasis on Neoliberalism as the way forward.

Question 10

What do Davis and Moore say about education.

Answer 10

Role allocation theory.

It’s meant to sort people based on their merits into their social hierarchies and jobs they’d best contribute to.

Higher rewards for more exclusive jobs promotes harder work.
The naturally talented will find their place in the world.