Education Topic 6 - Role of Education (Theories) Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is functionalism based on?
The idea that society is made up of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus.
What analogy do functionalists use to explain the relationship between society and its institutions?
The organic analogy.
Who is considered the founding father of functionalism?
Durkheim.
What are the two main functions of the education system identified by Durkheim?
- Creating social solidarity
- Teaching specialist skills
What does Durkheim argue is necessary for society to function?
A sense of solidarity among its members.
How does the education system create social solidarity according to Durkheim?
By transmitting society’s culture from one generation to the next.
What is the role of education in teaching specialist skills?
To equip individuals with the knowledge needed for the social division of labour.
What concept does Parsons introduce regarding education?
School as a ‘focal socialising agency’ that bridges the gap between home and wider society.
What is the difference between particularistic and universalistic standards in education?
Particularistic standards apply to individual children, while universalistic standards apply to all children equally.
What does Parsons mean by meritocracy in education?
A system where individuals have equal access to opportunities and are rewarded based on their efforts and abilities.
What is the role allocation function of education according to Davis and Moore?
To sift and sort pupils into roles suited to their aptitude and ability.
According to Davis and Moore, why is inequality in education considered inevitable?
Not everyone is equally talented and should not be rewarded equally.
What did the Wolf Report (2011) find regarding the education system?
High quality apprenticeships are rare and many courses do not lead to higher education or good jobs.
What do critics argue about the concept of meritocracy?
That it may be a myth and achievement is influenced by class rather than ability.
What is a key criticism made by Tumin regarding Davis and Moore’s argument?
It is circular; jobs are deemed important because they are well-paid, and they are well-paid because they are important.
How do Marxists view the values taught in education?
As ideology imposed by the dominant class, not as shared values.
What do interactionists argue about functionalists’ view of education?
They assume students are passive and do not acknowledge that pupils can reject school values.
What is neoliberalism in the context of education?
An economic doctrine advocating for free-market competition in education to improve standards.
What do the New Right believe about the state’s role in education?
That it fails to meet the needs of the people and should allow market forces to operate.
What is the proposed solution by the New Right for improving education?
Marketisation of education to create competition among schools.
What did Chubb and Moe find in their research on education?
Pupils from low-income families perform better in private schools than in state schools.
What is the voucher system proposed by Chubb and Moe?
A system where families receive vouchers to spend on their child’s education, forcing schools to compete.
What are the key roles the state should have according to the New Right?
- Impose a framework for competition
- Ensure transmission of a shared culture
What do Gerwitz and Ball argue about competition between schools?
It benefits the middle classes who have the capital to access the best schools.
