Functionalist Flashcards
(34 cards)
Functionalism is a structural consensus theory, what does this mean?
Structural- there is a social structure that shapes individual behaviour through the process of socialisation.
Consensus- Believe successful society is based on value consensus. Enables people to work together on shared goals (social solidarity).
Functionalists believe in an organic analogy, what does this mean?
Compares society to the human body. It states a successful society has a stable social structure in which different institutions (e.g., education) perform unique functions. The same way organs do in the body.
What do functionalists believe institutions perform?
Positive functions.
What are functional prerequisites?
Certain requirements society must meet if it is to survive.
Four key functions of education according to functionalists?
- Provides social solidarity
- Provides specialist skills.
- Bridge to wider society (meritocracy).
- Role allocation
What are the two key points Durkheim talks about?
- Social solidarity
- Specialist skills
Who talks about social solidarity?
Durkheim
How does the education system help to create social solidarity?
Transmits society’s norms and values from one generation to the next. Young people learn how to behave appropriately, and this leads to SS.
How does the education system help to create social solidarity?
Transmits society’s norms and values from one generation to the next. Young people learn how to behave appropriately, and this leads to SS.
If the education system creates social solidarity, what can it be seen as? Why?
Agent of social control- helps control individuals and maintains order in society.
What does school also act as?
‘Society in miniature’ - preparing us for life in wider society.
2 examples of the education system acting as society in miniature?
- Having to listen to teachers (authority figures). Same as bosses in the workplace.
- Be on time and punctual at school- detention if not. Same at work but will get fired.
Who talks about specialist skills?
Durkheim
How does the education system produce specialist skills?
Teaches the skills and knowledge necessary for work in modern, technical, industrial society e.g. literacy and numeracy.
What does school need to transmit?
Skills and knowledge required by the economy - education prepares young people for the world of work.
An example of specialist skills?
A doctor would have to take biology and chemistry a-levels in order to move onto their degree.
Who talks about meritocracy/ the bridge?
Parsons.
What is Parson’s argument for meritocracy?
Education helps provide shared norms and values. It is also one of the main socialising agencies- acting as a bridge between a bridge between the family and wider society.
What is the family based on? (Standards and status) Parsons.
Particularistic standards and ascribed status. Rules only apply to that particular child and tasks are based on ability and unique characteristics. You are also born with your status.
What is wider family based on? (Standards and status) Parsons.
Universalistic standards and achieved status. All children have the same rules and are expected to follow them (school rules and workplace). You also have to work hard to gain your status (good grades at school or by working to pay rise).
What does Parsons argue school and society both operate on?
Meritocratic principles.
What is meritocracy?
A system based on equal opportunity to achieve, and everyone is rewarded based on merit.
What does meritocracy allow for?
Status to be achieved in school and society because everyone is treated using the same standards (universalistic standards).
According to functionalists, what does meritocracy provide for students?
Equal opportunity to achieve recognised qualifications, enabling people to achieve higher positions in society- this is called social mobility. Kind of work people do (and typically place in society) is influenced by education and qualifications.
