Functionalist persp

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

-helps create SOCIAL SOLIDARITY, shared beliefs/values transfer
-teaches SPECIALIST SKILLS, needed to join social division of labour

Question 2

Parsons

Answer 2

-‘focal socialising agent’, bridge between family and society
-schl has univeralistic/impersonal standards, status ascribed, meritocratic principles (unlike family)

Question 3

Davis & Moore

Answer 3

-ROLE ALLOCATION, argue inequalities needed to ensure important roles are filled by most talented.
-‘sorts and shifts’

Question 4

Blau and Duncan

Answer 4

-modern economy depends on ‘human capital’-skilled workers.
-A meritocratic edu system does this best, maximises productivity

Question 5

Wolf review of vocational education

Answer 5

-Education doesn’t teach specialist skills (D).
-Higher quality apprenticeships are rare. 1/3 on the courses don’t lead to higher education or good jobs

Question 6

Equal opportunities in education?

Answer 6

Ample evidence to argue against this- class background rather than ability plays a key role

Question 7

Marxists

Answer 7

-Argue education in capitalist society only transmits the ideology of a minority - the ruling class not shared values

Question 8

Wrong

Answer 8

-Functionalists have an over-socialised view of people as mere puppets of society. Wrongly assume they passively accept all they’re taught and never reject school values

Question 9

Neoliberals and New right

Answer 9

-The state education system fails to prepare young people adequate for work.