Functionalism and education

Question 1

What does Durkheim say about the role of education?

Answer 1

1. education helps to create social solidarity by transmitting societies culture, norms and values from one generation to the next
2. Education teaches specialist skills that are needed by students to play a part in complex modern industrial economies

Question 2

What does Parsons say about the role of education?

Answer 2

1. Acts as a bridge between the family and wider society as the family and society operate on different principles
2. School is meritocratic as status is achieved not ascribed through educational achievement through effort and hard work

Question 3

What do Davis and Moore say about education?

Answer 3

Schools perform the function of role allocation by assessing individuals abilities and match them to a job that would suit them best

Question 4

EVAL - Bowles and Gintis

Answer 4

Argue that meritocracy is a myth and pupils are based on class position rather than effort and ability

Question 5

EVAL - Wong

Answer 5

Argues that functionalists see children as ‘passive puppets’ who will always conform

Question 6

EVAL - Marxists

Answer 6

Argue that schools have a hidden ciriculum where capitalist ideology is taught