functionalist theory 3Ed Flashcards

(17 cards)

1
Q

what type of theory is functionalism ?

A

Structural theory

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2
Q

what positive contributions do functionalist believe education makes to society

A

secondary socialisation
passing on knowledge to the next generation
providing skills needed by industry
allow children to socialise
keeps children busy

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3
Q

what is the role/function of education in society
(3)

A
  1. socialised into norms and values of society
  2. teaches value consensus to maintain social solidarity
  3. allocating to specific roles within society
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4
Q

define norms and values

A

social norms of behaviour/belifes of what’s right or wrong

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5
Q

define value consensus

A

shared value systems of a society that members share

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6
Q

define social solidarity

A

a sense of social unity
people are interdependent on each other

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7
Q

what are specialist institutions

A

organisations within society that have particular purposes
Eg: education/health system

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8
Q

define role allocation

A

people fill roles in society that reflects their skills and abilities

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9
Q

socialisation

A

process of learning social norms and values

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10
Q

define meritocracy

A

people fill positions in society on the basis of achievement and ability

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11
Q

what is achieved status

A

achieved their position in the life due to their hard work and talents

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12
Q

what is ascribed status

A

persons status is decided by birth
Eg: you are born into a wealthy family and will stay wealth

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13
Q

what does Durkheim say about education

A
  • if there wasn’t a collective consensus social life would be impossible
  • teaches children for their future roles
  • creates a mini society ( children learn to co operate with each other)
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14
Q

what does parsons say about education

A
  • acts as a bridge between the family and society - secondary socialisation
  • prepares children for the transition between the particularistic - norms and ascribed status of the family to the universalistic norms and achieved status of society
  • status is achieved based on merit (meritocracy)
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15
Q

what does david and moore say about education

A
  • mechanism that ensures the most able rise to the most functionally important roles for society
  • has the function of role allocation
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16
Q

strengths of functionalism
(2)

A
  • links schools to the needs of the wider society and the economy
  • helps to understand how socialisation process continues beyond the family
17
Q

criticisms of the functions theory

A
  • assumes education is a meritocracy. statistical evidence that background plays a role in ability at school
  • armchair theorising - durkheim and parsons did no real research
  • over emphasis the power of school to shape attitudes
  • doesn’t investigate why different genders, social classes or ethnic groups achieve differently