education -3.4.1 roles and functions of education Flashcards
(43 cards)
what was durkheim and parsons view of education?
- functionalist
- education is an essential agency of socialisation whose function is to transmit core values to the next generation
what is the role of schools from a functionalist perspective?
- teaching norms and values to next generation of society- helps children develop a sense of commitment to a social group by welding s mass of individuals into a untied whole.
- continuation of primary socialisation that starts in the family
why do functionalists believe education creates social cohesion?
- in order for a stable society, we should know how to behave and what’s expected of us
- education passes on to the new generation the central core values and culture of a society
- formal and hidden curriculum
what norms and values do functionalists view believe the formal and hidden curriculum teach?
- hidden curriculum- teaches obedience, manners, punctuality
- formal curriculum- subjects like PSHE unites people together and builds social solidarity by giving them shared values which give us social cohesion by making us feel part of something bigger
what did durkeheim describe school as?
school is a society in miniature
why did durkheim argue school is a society in miniature
- it prepares children for life in the wider world
- provides and environment where children learn to co operate with people who are neither friends or family which prepares them for working with people in later life
what did Parsons say school is a bridge between?
home and the wider society
why does Parsosn believe school is a bridge between home and the wider society?
- schools plays a central role in secondary socialisations taking over from the primary socialisation in the family
- within the family, children are judged by particularistic standards whereas at school they are judged according to the same universal standards
- education allows a transition from ascribed status to achieved status
why does Parsons argue that secondary socialisation is necessary?
because the family and the wider society work in different ways and children need to adapt if they want to cope in the wide world- schools continue the socialisation process of teaching the norms and values of society
what does Parsons mean by particularistic standards?
children are judged by rules that only apply to them and are given tasks based on their different abilities and judged according to their unique characteristics
what does Parsons mean by universal standards?
Children are judged by the same examinations and the same loss so everyone is judged equally irrespective of each individual’s unique character
how does education make the transition from family to society possible?
In society status is supposed to be based on merit and achieved, rather than ascribed at birth within the family, so education gets people used to universal values and achieved status
what is a criticism of Parsons’ view?
He implies achievement is solely down to effort and ignores factors such as material deprivation
How does education serve the needs of the economy?
- not everyone can be a doctor or a solicitor, and roles such as factory workers and cleaners are equally just as important
- so in order for society to function effectively, individuals need to have different skills
- Individuals learn the diverse skills necessary for society to function effectively at school, for example specialising in different fields when we choose subjects to study at A-level
how does education facilitate social mobility?
- functionalists such as Durkheim and Parsons argue that education allocates people to the most appropriate job for their talents using exams and qualifications
- This is fair because of meritocracy- where everyone is assumed a chance of success and the most able succeeded through their own efforts
- So education offers pupils the opportunity to do well and increase their social position- a process known as social mobility
What is a criticism of this functionalist view?
It ignores the unequal chances individuals may experience because of their social class, gender or ethnicity
what are the evaluations of the functionalist view of education?
- not all schools promote value consensus as many classrooms are places of conflict, often with pupils being disruptive and challenging authority
- Youth unemployment shows that the education system might not provide young people with the specialist skills required for work
what are primary schools?
- Provide education for children aged 4 to 11
- Start with the earliest curriculum followed by KS1 and KS2 of the national curriculum
what are secondary schools?
- Provide education for children aged 11 to 16 or 18
- follow KS3 and KS4 of the national curriculum
what are state funded comprehensive schools?
They educate all pupils regardless of their background or ability and ensure all children have access to the same level and quality of education
What are academies?
- independently managed schools set up by sponsors from business faith or voluntary groups in partnership with the local authority and the government’s department for education
- they have greater control over their finances, the curriculum and teachers pay and conditions
What are special schools?
- Pupils at a special school have usually been assessed and given a statement of special educational needs including learning or physical disabilities
- Some are funded by the local educational authority and some are independent
What are free schools?
- set up by teachers charities, the community faith groups, universities or groups of parents where there is parental demand
- funded directly from central government
- greater control over their finances, the curriculum and teaches pay and conditions
