Unit 3 - Section B: Differential Education - Social Class - THEORETICAL EXPLANATION - Functionalism - Inside: preparing for workplace

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

Education should emphasise the moral responsibilities that members of society have - pass on social solidarity and a value consensus. Education ensures people have skills for specialised division of labour (specific skills that lead to certain vocations). Standardised testing helps assess skills.

Question 2

Davis and Moore

Answer 2

Education performs role allocation and helps sift and sort and grade students (A v D students, Vocations v Academic) in terms of ability that is rewarded through exam success. Those with most ability then rewarded in meritocratic society in terms of economic rewards to ensure best fill most functionally important roles.