Education Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the 3 basic functions of the education system according to Functionalists and Marxists?
1) The Socialisation Role
2) Allocation Role
3) Vocational Role
What is the socialisation role according to Functionalists?
The education system acts as a form of secondary socialisation. It is essential in the sharing of norms and values and allows the formation of the collective conscience and a value consensus.
What does Durkheim say about the socialisation role of education?
Durkheim believed that for society to operate effectively, people must become ‘social beings’ with a commitment to society as a whole. The formal curriculum (timetabled subjects such as history) and hidden curriculum (informal learning process that occurs such as learning punctuality) of the education system both contribute to the sharing of norms and values which reinforce social order and equilibrium.
What does Parsons say about the role of socialisation in the education system?
Parsons believed that the education system was a microcosm (miniature version) of society. This provides a bridge between the family and wider society. For example, in the family, children are judged by particularistic standards (rules which are tailored specifically to the child) whereas in the education system and in wider society they are judged by universalistic standards (rules which apply to all members of a social group). Another example of this is that within the family, the child’s status is ascribed (fixed at birth) yet in education and wider society their status must be achieved. This status is achieved meritocratically, in other words, The education system rewards students on the basis of their merit which consists of ability and effort.
What is the allocation role according to functionalists?
The education system slots people into their appropriate occupational positions on the basis of their merit (ability + effort). This means that any functionally important roles are completed by those best suited to the task.
What do Davis and Moore say about the allocation role within the education system?
The education system allocates young people into suitable occupations on the basis of their merit (ability and effort). This occurs through the certification system. David and Moore argue that the education system sifts and sorts pupil into appropriate jobs which means that the most functionally important roles are completed by those best suited to the job. As the occupational structure becomes more specialised, the allocation role has become increasingly important for the economy.
What is the vocational role according to functionalists?
The education system has the role of equipping young people with the practical and technical skills needed for the workforce.
What does Schultz say about the vocational role in the education system?
Schultz talks about human capital theory in relation to the education system. Human capital theory views education as a productive investment in the future and a catalyst for economic growth because it provides educated and trained workers with the necessary skills to carry out more specialised occupations. Therefore, the education system and the economy work hand in hand as, if the economic situation changes, then the education system will change in order to provide the appropriately skilled workers. If the economy requires more practical workers then the education system must respond in order to maintain social equilibrium.
Evaluation of the functionalist view of the education system.
+ Recognises that education is shaped by other institutions such as the family or the economy which is overlooked by interactionist perspectives.
- Ignores the internal working of the education system by focusing too much on the big picture. Dewey argues that the purpose of eduction should be the promotion of the individuals well being rather than society’s.
Evaluation of the functionalist view of the socialisation role in education.
+ Children do learn norms and values through both the formal and the hidden curriculum.
+ Citizenship was introduced as a compulsory subject. This teaches the ‘British way of life’ which contributes to a value consensus.
- The view is too positive. The norms and values transmitted benefit dominant groups such as men or the ruling class not society as a whole.
- Wrong argues that not all students internalise the norms and values of the education system. The functionalist view sees them as empty puppets and ignores that many reject the norms and values of the education system.
Evaluation of the functionalist view of allocation in education.
- Evidence suggests that schools are not meritocratic. Marxists argue that some children are rewarded through higher social class and material wealth by being able to afford ‘better education’ or have access to more resources. The education system is seen as being tailored specifically toward the middle class habitus which means that they are more likely to achieve.
- Occupational selection is not always based off meritocratic principles. Ethnicity and social class may also play a role in employment due to patterns of discrimination and prejudice.
Evaluation of the functionalist view on the vocational role in education.
+ Evidence suggests that the education system is shaped by the needs of the economy. More recently, the education system has adapted to the economy by introducing GNVQ’s and NVQ’s which offers work experience to pupils as well as introducing new skills.
- Marxists view vocational education as a way of the ruling class transmitting their ideologies of the exploitative workplace. They argue that vocational skills are better learned on the job so the education system is unnecessary in passing on vocational skills.
- The New Right argue that the education system doesn’t adequately prepare people for work because the system discourages efficiency, competition and choice.
What is the Marxist view of the education system?
The education system serves a ruling minority. It is a superstructure institution which reproduces and legitimates inequalities between social classes in society. Like functionalism, it also sees the 3 functions of the education system as being: the socialisation role, the allocation role and the vocational role. Their views on these functions however are what sets them apart.
What is the Marxist view on the socialisation role of education?
Marxists argue that the norms and values passed on by the education system promote dominant ideologies and help to create a passive workforce. This creates stability for the capitalist system and by making the exploitation appear natural it ensures the future of the capitalist structure.
