Theories Perspective

Question 1

Functionalists + New Rights two main functions of education?

Answer 1

Meritocracy, a fair system that gives everyone an equal chance of success, so that if a student is talented and works hard, they will achieve good results.

Secondary socialization, providing the skills needed in preparation for paid employment.

Question 2

Functionalism
Durkheim: social solidarity

Answer 2

The education system teachers students the shared norms and values of society creating social solidarity.

School is ‘society in miniature’

It creates a tolerant and law abiding future citizens who will cooperate with each other.

Question 3

Functionalism
Parsons: universalistic values

Answer 3

At home children are treated as individuals - particularistic values
In education, however, children learn to trough a meritocratic system, where everyone gets treated the same regardless of who they are - these are universalistic values.

Question 4

Functionalism
Davis and Moore: Role Allocation

Answer 4

Education ‘Sift and Sorts’ people so that the most talented get the best qualifications and are allocated to the most important jobs.

For society to function efficiently, the most talented individuals need to be allocated the most important jobs.

Question 5

Functionalism
Shultz: Human Capital Theory

Answer 5

High spendings on education and training are required as these develop peoples knowledge and skills which in turn helps produce an efficient work force.

Question 6

Marxism
Althusser (1971): Ideological State Apparatus

Answer 6

ISA’s such as education, family, religion and the media are instruments that help brainwash the working class to accept ruling-class ideology as the norm, helping the ruling class to maintain power without using force.

Question 7

Marxism
Althusser (1971): Ideological State Apparatus
What does it do?

Answer 7

Reproduced class inequality - Each generation of working class pupils fails at school and thus is prepared for an appropriate role allocation and class position in society, thereby ending up in the same kinds of jobs.

Legitimizes class inequality - Education socializes students into accepting capitalistic ideology as being common. It convinces people through the schools meritocracy that everyone is treated the same with equality, with failure being the fault of the individual not the capitalist system.

Question 8

Marxism
Bowles & Gintis: The hidden curriculum

Answer 8

In education system, unrulily teaches capitalist norms and values.
Prepares students to be obedient exploitable workers for capitalist businesses.

Question 9

Marxism
Bowles & Gintis: Meritocracy is a myth

Answer 9

Meritocracy is a way for capitalism to legitimize class inequality. It prevents people from recognizing their exploited position, and prevent working class people from rebelling against the capitalist system.