Functionalism Flashcards
(18 cards)
Émile Durkheim & Social Solidarity
What is social solidarity according to Durkheim?
It’s the idea that members of society feel part of a larger community, sharing norms and values.
Émile Durkheim & Social Solidarity
How does education promote social solidarity?
Through shared experiences like assemblies, uniform policies, attendance, and homework — all fostering togetherness.
Émile Durkheim & Social Solidarity
What is a Marxist criticism of Durkheim’s view?
Marxists argue that education creates false consciousness and indoctrinates students into accepting inequality and authority.
Talcott Parsons – Bridge Theory & Meritocracy
What is Parsons’ Bridge Theory?
Education acts as a bridge between family (home) and wider society, moving from particularistic to universalistic standards.
Talcott Parsons – Bridge Theory & Meritocracy
What are particularistic standards?
Rules and expectations unique to the individual or family (e.g., different rules for each sibling at home).
Talcott Parsons – Bridge Theory & Meritocracy
What are universalistic standards?
Rules that apply equally to everyone, like in school or the workplace
Talcott Parsons – Bridge Theory & Meritocracy
What is meritocracy according to Parsons?
A system where individuals succeed based on talent, effort, and achievement, rather than background or class.
Talcott Parsons – Bridge Theory & Meritocracy
What are criticisms of the meritocratic view of education?
Not all students have equal opportunities due to social class, parental involvement, disabilities, and gender.
Parsons – Specialist Skills
What role does education play in preparing for work, according to Parsons?
It teaches the specialist skills needed for specific jobs, like communication and numeracy for nursing.
Parsons – Specialist Skills
What’s a criticism of this view?
Many jobs require further training beyond school (e.g. degrees or apprenticeships), so school alone isn’t enough.
Role Allocation
What is role allocation in education and which sociologists discuss it?
The idea that education sorts people into appropriate roles based on ability — higher achievers go to top jobs.
-Davis & Moore
Davis and Moore – Role Allocation
How is role allocation done in schools?
Through exams, certificates, and awards that reward competition, hard work, and achievement.
Davis and Moore – Role Allocation
What’s a criticism of role allocation?
It assumes a fair system, but in reality, white middle-class men dominate top roles, and some jobs are undervalued despite being essential.
New Right Perspective
How do New Right thinkers view education?
They support functionalist ideas, especially meritocracy, and believe individuals should take responsibility for their own success
New Right Perspective
Why do New Right thinkers value hard work in education?
It reduces reliance on state welfare and encourages personal responsibility and productivity.
Criticisms of Functionalism
What are general criticisms of the functionalist view of education?
It’s overly optimistic, ignores inequality (e.g. racism, sexism), and assumes shared values in a multicultural society.
Criticisms of Functionalism
Why might functionalism be called a “rose-tinted” view?
Because it idealizes education, ignoring the disadvantages many students face and assuming a fair system.
