Functionalist + Education Flashcards
functionalist views on education (26 cards)
what are functionalists views on education ?
POSATIVE
In functionalism, what are the 4 positive functions the education system performs ?
1.Creating social solidarity (Durkheim)
2.teaching us skills necessary for work (Durkheim)
3.teaching us core values (Parsons)
4.role allocation and meritocracy
Social Solidarity
P- We have social solidarity WHEN we feel as if we are part of SOMETHING BIGGER.
Explain how education creates social solidarity
Learning - History and English give us a shared sense of identity
- American school children pledge allegiance to the flag
Which Sociologist talks about how education creates social solidarity ?
Emile Durkheim
What did Emile Durkheim argue about social solidarity ?
Durkheim : “school makes us FEEL like we are PART of something bigger”
“SCHOOL is a SOCIETY in miniature” - preparing us for life in wider society
How is school a society in miniature ?
Both in SCHOOL and at WORK we have to COOPERATE with people who are neither friends or family
- GETS US READY for dealing with people at work later in life
Durkheim - teaching us skills necessary for work - quote ?
Durkheim - “ an advanced INDUSRTRIAL ECONOMY required a massive and complex division of LABOUR “
Where do children learn the skills necessary for work ?
- AT SCHOOL, individuals LEARN the diverse SKILLS necessary for this to take place
Give an example of how children learn the skills necessary for work ?
- all start off learning the same subjects but we specialize when we do GCSE’s
What did Talcott Parsons argue education acts as ?
Parsons - education system acts as the “FOCAL SOCIALIZING AGENCY” in modern society
What is a focal socializing agency ?
“focal socializing agency” :
institution that plays - central role in teaching people the social behaviours of society
What is primary socialization ?
learning values and behaviours within the family
What is secondary socialization ?
Learning the norms and values outside the family
Did Parsons argue school played the role in primary or secondary socialization ?
Parsons + SCHOOL plays the role of SECONDARY SOCIALIZATION
Why did Parsons ague it was necessary for the school to play the role of secondary socialization ?
- FAMILY and wider SOCIETY work in DIFFRENT principles - children need to ADAPT if they are to cope in the wider world
What are particularistic standards ?
Norms/values unique to a group - E.g family
Who judges on particularistic standards ?
(according to Parsons)
The parents
How are Particularistic standards carried out ?
- Individual children are given tasks based on their different abilities - JUDGED according to their unique characteristics
What are universalistic standards ?
*** use as an example for the question on core values
Everyone being judged by the same standards
Does school and wider society judge you off universalistic standards ? How ?
YES - judged by same EXAMS and LAWS irrespective of the individual
What gets us ready for Universalistic standards in wider society ?
SCHOOL - bridge between home and the work place
How does the education system allocate job roles ?
- Most appropriate job for their talents - using EXAMS/QUALIFICATIONS
What does role allocation ensure ?
Most talented are allocated to occupations that are the most important for society
