Education T6, Role of Education Flashcards
(17 cards)
Who was the founder of Functionalism?
Durkheim
What is the organic analogy?
The idea that society should function in the same way as the human body, with organs as institutions etc.
What 2 pillars of education do Functionalists believe in?
Social solidarity and Specialist skills
What is ‘anomie’?
The chaos society would fall into if people didn’t stick to their specific roles.
What is meritocracy?
The idea that everyone has an equal opportunity to do well if they work hard enough.
What does Parsons say that school acts as?
School acts as a Focal Socialising Agency, bridging the gap between home and society.
How do Postmodernists view society?
They believe it is fractured, chaotic and diverse, and they want the education system to match that.
How would Postmodernists improve the education system?
Introduce T levels and vocational courses, apprenticeships etc, as they provide more diversity. Would want links to globalisation and marketisation to increase diversity.
Who is the founder of Marxism?
Karl Marx
What do Marxists believe?
Society is divided between the Bourgiouisie (middle class) and the Proletariat (working class).
How do Marxists feel about the education system?
They believe it reproduces class inequality, and Althusser says education is an Ideological State Apparatus - controlling people’s ideas and minds.
According to Marxists Bowles and Gintis, what is the ‘hidden curriculum’ and =the ‘correspondence principle’?
The hidden curriculum is lessons taught outside of the education system, and the correspondence principle is the hierarchy between teachers.
How do Marxists view meritocracy?
They believe it is a myth and children are taught how to prepare for the workplace.
Which sociological theories are supportive of traditional roles?
Functionalism and New Right
What do New Right thinkers believe?
They support traditional roles and favour meritocracy. They believe in socialisation of shared values and competition, just like Functionalists.
How do New Right view the Welfare State?
They believe it should not exist, and that everyone should take care of themselves.
Why do New Right support marketisation?
Because it drives up standards and increases competition.
