Functionalist Theories of Education Flashcards
(14 cards)
(Durkheim) ‘Society in miniature.’
School enables children to learn what society will be like and how to fit in. (Socialisation)
(Durkhiem) Homogenity
‘Society can only survive if there is a degree of homogeneity between its members.
Homogeneity - similarity
When at school certain things apply to all students e.g. school uniform, exams and routines.
This is similar to wider society as everyone is judged and sectioned based of the same standards for example in employment.
(Durkhiem) Role of education.
Durkhiem says each generation is faced with a tabula rasa (blank slate) which links to the behaviourist approach in psychology.
He states that humans are naturally egotistic and it is the role of education to make us more altruistic in order for society to function.
(Durkhiem) Social control and education
Education is a form of social control as it enforces rules and formalities which will be built upon later.
Social solidarity
School is one of many institutions that reinforce social solidarity. The feeling of being part of a larger group.
It is done through History lessons and days of reflection/remembrance of our culture.
(Durkheim) 2 key concepts
Secondary socialisation - Carry on teaching norms and values within schools and socialising students to fit into society through the hidden curriculum.
Integration - feeling a part of society and feeling loyal to it ‘patriotism’
(Durkheim) Criticism
Bullying in school may create wider divisions.
Having rules for children may cause children to break them to impress others.
(Parsons) Educational bridge
‘Education is a social bridge between family and wider society’
(Parsons) Value and status attainment
Family:
PARTICULARISTIC
Individuals are valued for personal qualities.
Status is ASCRIBED
School:
MERITOCRATIC
School rewards pupils for their level of achievement. (Meritocracy)
Status is ACHIEVED
Society:
UNIVERSALISTIC
Valued against universal measures ( Grade results and Degrees + Experience/skills)
Status is ACHIEVED
(Davis and Moore) Education is meritocratic
Education is a meritocracy, that sifts and sorts individuals into their suited roles. (Role allocation)
The more able and hardworking students are rewarded with better qualifications which enable them to access more functionally important roles. (This is meritocracy)
(Davis and Moore) Criticism
School is not meritocratic because individuals with material wealth or cultural capital are at an advantage.
Meritocracy
Merit is given based off hard work and individual skill.
Ascribed vs Achieved
Ascribed = Status given at birth which cannot be changed e.g. age, ethnicity, place in family.
Achieved = Social positions gained through effort such as education/work promotions
Functionally important roles (defined)
Some roles require decision making responsibilities. Not all individuals will have these skills and it is the role of education to figure out who goes where.
