Functionalist ToE

Question 1

Who was the founding father of education?

Answer 1

Durkheim

Question 2

According to Durkheim, what is education?

Answer 2

a vital part of society

Question 3

What is the organic analogy?

Answer 3

a model based on a living organism (like a human), all parts (roles) must perform their functions in order to the body (society) to work effectively

Question 4

What type of theory is functionalism?

Answer 4

Consensus

Sees society as being harmonious

Question 5

What is one of societies ‘basic needs’?

Answer 5

The need for social order

Question 6

What are the 4 essential fuctions (Functionalist)

Answer 6

• Social Solidarity
• Specialist Skills
• Secondary Socialisation
• Sifting and Sorting

Question 7

What is social solidarity? (Ao1)

Answer 7

• ‘School is a society in miniature’ - Durkheim
• School prepares the child for society

Question 8

Social Solidarity Evaluation (Ao3)

Answer 8

• Functionalism is ‘Rose tinted’
• Schools passes on the ‘dominant culture’ which may exclude minorities
  -School system is ethnocentric

Question 9

What is Specialist Skills (Ao1)

Answer 9

Education teaches the skills industries need in society in order for it to be successful

As industries change, so does what is taught

Question 10

Specialist Skills Evaluation (Ao3)

Answer 10

New Right - The wolf review found that 1/3 of 16-19 year olds were doing courses that do not lead to higher education or good jobs

Question 11

What is secondary socialisation? (Ao1)

Answer 11

• Children are socialised into the value of meritocracy
• Each person should strive to achieve their full potential

Question 12

Secondary Socialisation Evaluation (Ao3)

Answer 12

• Marxists - myth of meritocracy
• Private school = not equal chance to succeed
• Inequality in society is legitimated

Question 13

STRETCH!!! What is the bridge?

Answer 13

• Parsons argues education helps students transition from home to work

Question 14

STRETCH!!!!!! The Bridge Evaluation (Ao3)

Answer 14

New Right - argues that functionalist perspective lacks contemporary relevance

system is failing to help students, too many young people are on benefits

Question 15

What is Sifting and Sorting? (Ao1)

Answer 15

• Davis and Moore says the role of education is role allocation
  -Education puts people on the career path they are suited to
• Most able students get best grades and therefore best jobs

Question 16

Sifting and Sorting Evaluation (Ao3)

Answer 16

• Marxism - teachers hold sterotypes which influence their decsions when deciding where to put students
  -Evidence suggests class, gender and ethnicity has a significant role in determining achievement