Theories of education func. Pt 2: lesson 10 Flashcards
What is Parsons interested in, in regard to education?
Role of education and its link to meritocracy
What does parsons believe regarding education?
- meritocracy
- education is a bridge between family & society
- school prepare for working life
- two types of standards
1) particularistic
2) universalistic
What are particularistic standards?
- children are judged by their parents
- status is ascribed
- responsibilities assigned by age & gender
What are universalistic standards?
- judged by wider society on same standards
- standardised testing = everyone judged to same level
- prepares for work
- achieved status
How does education enforce universalistic standards?
- standardised testing
- transmission of norms & values
- disciplinary policies
- uniform
- hidden curriculum
What do David and Moore believe in regards to education?
Role allocation
- sorts individuals based on ability into groups to match future jobs
- “sifts and sorts”
Inequality is necessary & meritocracy
- best students get best jobs
What are positive evaluations on Functionalism & education?
- those with higher level of education do get higher paying jobs
- schools generally effective at creating social solidarity
- education become more work focused e.g apprenticeship
What are negative evaluations on Functionalism & education?
- postmodernity says value consensus & social solidarity unachievable due to multiculturalism
- assumes individuals are passive
- ignores negative experiences
- transmission of societies norms & values or ruling class?
What are evaluation points on Durkheim?
Are specialised skills taught adequately?
- do all students get enough training
What are evaluation points on Parsons?
Myth of meritocracy
- are pupils achieving success or is it tied to gender, class, ethnicity
What are evaluation points on Davis & Moore?
- Marxist say inequality isn’t natural and this is ruling class ideology to maintain false consciousness
- argument is circular
