theories of education

Question 1

define a consensus approach

Answer 1

1)- emphasizing positive roles of education
-analyze benefits it offers individuals and society
2)view education as functions : secondary socialization and providing skills in preparation for paid employment.

Question 2

define a conflict approach

Answer 2

Argue that the education system produces inequalities within society.
they have a critical/negative view of the education system

Question 3

there are various views and theories regarding the role of education and how it functions in society this can be placed into two approaches

Answer 3

1) consensus approach
2)conflict approach

Question 4

name the key functionalist concepts

Answer 4

1)social solidarity
2)equilibrium
3)value consensus

Question 5

who was the founding father of functionalism

Answer 5

Durkheim

Question 6

key assumptions: social order

Answer 6

the founding father of socialism Durkheim a French sociologist.
The theory of social order is that society is based on social order and stability. Durkheim wanted to explain how it SO was created and maintained.

Question 7

key ideas: organic growth

Answer 7

Durkheim and Parsons used an organic analogy to explain social order by comparing society to the human body.
The human body is composed of organs which all have functions to perform to enable us to operate alike to society and its roles of people.

Question 8

define social solidarity

Answer 8

when society achieves integration, cohesion , unity and stability.
A sense of togetherness is created.

Question 9

define value consensus

Answer 9

When society shares the same norms, values and beliefs

Question 10

define equilibrium

Answer 10

a balance, stability within society

Question 11

What is Durkheim’s perspective on education ?

Answer 11

society can only work if there’s** solidarity and value consensus**. Education helps transmit these values by teaching norms, beliefs and values. This turns individuals into a united whole.

Question 12

Parsons perspective of education

Answer 12

seconday socialisation which bridges family and society
socialises young people for** future careers**
schools encourage students to be motivated pupils and achievement orientated.
children are judged by achieved status not ascribed, this shows success is achieved by meritocratic principles.

Question 13

name 3 criticisms of functionalists theory of education

Answer 13

1) Wright argues students may reject the norms and values of the school and rebel against rules.
2)New right wing argues state schools fails to socialize students for work.
3)schools do not always achieve social solidarity, united cannot be accomplished as students may not like school and or face discrimination which prevents cohesion and togetherness.

Question 14

outline two ways in which schools operate on meritocratic principles :

Answer 14

1) Davis and Moore argue education is a proving ground for ability, the roles and careers we enter are based on our talents and abilities.
Additionally, Students are expected to compete against one another in order to achieve the highest grade so the most talented individuals can be selected for high paying positions.

Question 15

define the ‘new right’ and values

Answer 15

conservatives with neo liberal and economic values.
believe that the state cannot meet peoples needs , want a free market so individuals can meet their own needs.

Question 16

What does the new right believe about state education?

Answer 16

it has a critical view that state schools fail to prepare young people for work

Question 17

define Neo-liberalism

Answer 17

-economic philosophy that has had a influence on education policy, they believe the state should not provide services - everything should be privatized.
the state should not dictate society, against gov regulating the market,

Question 18

identify two ways that the New Right ideas are similar to functionalist views on education

Answer 18

1)meritocracy in the school
2)they believe an education system should benefit the economy by preparing people for work

Question 19

identify one role that the new right and state have in relation to education

Answer 19

the state ensures that a shared culture is achieved
a framework in which competition is promoted

Question 20

why did New Right conservatives introduce vocational courses

Answer 20

the help the economy flourish and become more prosperous through preparing students for workforces and teaching them job specific skills. prevents unemployment.

Question 21

what is meant by parentocracy

Answer 21

This is empowering parents as consumers/becoming clients
parents had greater power to create their children’s educational future , this is achieved through them being able to choose what school to send their child 2

Question 22

what is meant by marketisation

Answer 22

It means creating and education market
competition should be created between schools to make them more business like.
marketisation makes schools more responsive to parents wishes
schools would have to compete to attract customers through improving their educational standards.

Question 23

Evaluate The new rights view of education

Answer 23

Any issues in education are not a fault of the state, but a lack of state funding.
Ball and Gerwitz both argue that competition between schools will only benefit the middle class who can use their cultural and economic capital to ensure their children access the highest achieving schools.
Marxists argue that education does not impose a shared culture but the culture of the dominant class and devalues the culture of working class and ethnic minorities.

Question 24

What is Blau and Duncans perspective on education ?

Answer 24

modern economy depends for its prosperity on using it ‘human capital’ - its skilled workers- this is done best through a meritocratic system as it enables a person to be allocated to job suited to their abilities.

Question 25

What is Davis and moores perspective on education ?

Answer 25

-education is preparation for work
-education is a proving ground for ability, allocated roles based on our ability
- they say inequality is essential to ensure the most difficult roles in society are filled by the most talented.
this promotes competition amongst individuals as society wants the most talented.