functionalism Flashcards
(12 cards)
who are the functionalist sociologists
-durkheim
-parsons
-davis and Moore
what were durkheims 3 findings
-education performs 2 functions
1-social solidarity
2-special skills
3-society in a miniature
define social solidarity
-education transmits norms and values
-society only survives if a sufficient level of homogeneity (agreement ) without it life is impossible
examples of social solidarity
-teaching history links society to the individual through shared heritage and teaching values
define society in a miniature
-skl reflects the workplace learn to cooperate w ppl that aren’t their friends
example of special skills needed
-skills for careers
A03 Durkheim
+ and -
+ provides functions needed
-oversocialised- if was effective would be no criminal/ unemployed
+useful skills help economy and secondary socialisation
-overlooks systematic inequalities
davis and Moores findings
3
-education sifts and sorts ppl into roles in society based on ability
-education legitimises inequality- some make it further than others on high wages whereas others dont
-inequality is inevitable and
necessary- some ppl more talented than others ie. DRS
do davis and Moore believe in meritocracy
yeah believe rewarded on efforts if try hard successful
criticisms of davis and Moore
-harsh- not al have same level of intelligence
-private skls- wealthy , MC have higher success rates bc can afford
-marx- arg meritocracy is a myth
-doesnyt consider other issues ie. fam structure / £
parsons
bridging the gap
-skl bridges the gap from home to wider society
-without bridge society dangerous and dysfunctional
what values/ status at home compared to wider society
home
-ascribed status- born with
-particularistic standards- specific to certain groups
wider society
-universalistic standards- shared by all
-achieved status- achieve
