Education: perspectives Flashcards
(35 cards)
What does Durkheim argue is the function of education
- Create social solidarity
- Teach specialist schools
How do schools create social solidarity
- Transmits societys culture and its shared beliefs and values
- History instils children to have a shared heritage and a commitment to the wider social group
How does education act as a society in miniature
- Prepares children for life in wider society
- For example, in schools children are taught how to cooperate with people which is needed at work
Why is the teaching of specialist schools important
Teaches people the knowledge and skills they need to play their part in the social division of labour
What does Parsons argue is the role of education
Education is a focal socialising agency that acts as a bridge between family and wider society
How does education impact ascribed vs achieved status
- Within the family, a child is judged by the ascribed status
- In schools and wider society a persons status is achieved
How does Parsons argue education is meritocratic
- Everyone is given an equal opportunity and individuals receive rewards based on their effort and ability
- For example, everyone does the same exams with the same grade boundaries
What do Davis and Moore argue is the function of education
Education is a device for selection and role allocation
Why do Davis and Moore argue that inequality is necessary
Ensures that the most important roles are filled by the most talented
How does education sift and sort
Education acts as a proving ground for ability
How can it be argued that schools dont teach specialist schools
High quality apprenticeships are rare and up to a third of 16-19 year olds are on courses that dont lead to higher education or good jobs
How can it be argued that education isnt meritocratic
- Working class and ethnic minorities often underachieve
- Footballers get paid more than teachers and surgeons
What do the new right believe
The state cant meet peoples needs and people are best left to meet their own needs through the free market
How are new right and functionalist views similar
- Both believe some people are naturally more talented than others
- Both favour an education system that runs on meritocratic principles of open competition
- Both believe that education should socialise pupils into shared values
What is the main difference between functionalist and new right views
Functionalists believe the education system is successful in carrying out its roles. New right dont
Why do new right sociologists argue the education system is failing
- It takes a one size fits all approach, ignoring local needs
- The local consumers have no say
How do the new right argue the education system should be fixed
By creating an education market and increasing competition between schools
Why do Chubb and Moe argue state run education in the US has failed
- It hasnt created equal opportunity and has failed disadvantaged groups
- Fails to produce pupils with the skills needed by the economy
Why do Chubb and Moe argue private schools give students a better education
They are answerable to paying customers
How do Chubb and Moe argue the education system should be changed
Introduction of the voucher system , forcing schools to be more responsive to parents wishes
How does the voucher system work
Parents of each child are given are voucher to spend on buying education from a school of their choice. This would be the main source of funding for schools
What do new right sociologists argue should be the roles of the state
- To impose a framework on schools within which they have to compete e.g. ofsted inspections and league tables
- To ensure schools transmit a shared culture by imposing a national curriculum
How do the new right argue education should affirm the national identity
- The curriculum should emphasise Britains positive role in world history and teach british literature
- There should be a christian act of worship in schools each day
What is the repressive state apparatus
The rule of the bourgeoisie is maintained by force or threat of it
