theories of education: Flashcards
func,marx,newright, feminists and postmodernists
what is functionalism and what do they believe about education?
. consensus theory
. believe education system is positive and provides equality for all
4 functions education provides for society according to functionalists?
. social solidarity
. secondary sociallisation
. specialist skills
. sifting and sorting
what is social solidarity?
sense of belonging in community and learning how to interact with others. Example – learning British values or learning hymns
what is secondary socialisation?
passing on norms and values. Socialist into value of meritocracy (taught we can achieve status based on ability and effort. Example beating minimum target grades
what is sifting and sorting?
allocating people in roles based on ability and effort. It puts people on career paths they are suited to. Example – gifted and talented programs
what are specialist skills?
learn these to prepare and take their place in a division of labor. Benefits them when they take control of their own lives e.g., to support their families. Example – punctuality and organization
criticism for social solidarity?
functionalists cannot see that schools fail to pass on a shared culture – only passed on dominant one (white). Can be seen as ETHNOCENTRIC as it only gives priority to white culture. More division seen.
criticism for secondary socialisation?
meritocracy is a myth. Only the wealthiest obtain high qualifications and those denied success blame themselves rather than the system. It is not fair.
criticism for specialist skills?
wolf review – thirds of the 16-19s were doing courses not leading to higher education. New right would support this
criticism for sifting and sorting?
students are placed in sets due to fathers’ occupation. This is labeling. Class, gender, and ethnicity also play a role in this and undermining achievement.
what is the new right and what do they believe about education?
they are a consensus theory who share the same beliefs as functionalists however believe the new ideal is under threat
