functionalist sociologists

Question 1

Durkheim

Answer 1

2 ideas
1) school acts as a society in miniature - prepares students for the workforce (registration teaches children to be on time)
2) social solidarity - function of education is to transmit norms and values - done through teaching of history

Question 2

Parsons (1961)

Answer 2

suggests that education bridges the gap between home life and wider society
home = ascribed status
school allows you to meritocratically get an achieved status for wider society
without bridging the gap people will become dangerous and dysfunctional

Question 3

Davis + Moore (1945)

Answer 3

education sifts and sorts people into work roles
believes that education legitamises inequality
they suggest inequality is inevitable and necessary