Functionalism & Education

Question 1

What two functions does Durkheim introduce?

Answer 1

Secondary socialisation
Specialist skills and knowledge

Question 2

What does Durkheim note about secondary socialisation and how is it achieved?

Answer 2

Schools socialise pupils into the culture of society
This would give generations a sense of community and belonging to wider society
This is achieved through the official and hidden curriculum which glues peoples together, enabling social solidarity.

Question 3

What does Durkheim note about specialist skills and knowledge?

Answer 3

There is a complex division of labour which involves people working together who have specialist skills and knowledge.
The education system teaches pupils these skills that are needed for the world of work.

Question 4

What does Parsons note about education? (3)

Answer 4

Education helps to produce a value consensus by socialising children to have a meritocratic view of achievement. so evervyone has equal opportunity to achieve if they put in the effort.
Families judge pupils in particularistic standards which are rules that apply to the particular child. Schools judge pupils on universalistic standards meaning the rules are applied to everyone.
This means that they are able to achieve their status rather than it being ascribed to them.

Question 5

What do Davis and Moore note about education? (2)

Answer 5

They see education as a device for role allocation so schools select individuals for their future occupations in society.
They sift and sort and grades young people matching them to a job they are suited to.
It ensures that the best and most qualified people end up in the jobs requiring the greatest skills.

Question 6

What is a strength of Functionalism?

Answer 6

They acknowledge the positive role of the education system and how it can positively effect individuals and society.

Question 7

What are the criticisms of Functionalism? (4)

Answer 7

Marxists argue that the function of secondary socialisation is just setting children up to work. E.g: conforming to rules and obeying adult authority.
Marxists argue that meritocracy is a myth (Bowles and Gintis). Middle class people may have more opportunities because they have more money to spend on things that will benefit their education
Only 7% of court judges are BAME and one-third female. This shows that men and women aren’t treated equally when it comes to role allocation
Not all students have positive experiences of education. E.G: some students may face bullying which can affect them negatively.