Functionnalism/marxism short markers

Question 1

Outline 2 ways in which the education system is meritocratic

Answer 1

Social solidarity- Everyone taught the same things, eg learning a shared culture in history.
secondary socialisation-
Education passes on the key norms and values of society,children are socialised into the value that we achieve status based on abilities and efforts

Question 2

Outline 2 criticisms of the functionalist view on education

Answer 2

Ethnocentric curriculum- curriculum gives priority to white culture over others, excluding minorities
Wolf review- found that a 1/3 of 16-19s were doing vocational courses that don’t lead to higher education or good jobs
Rosetinted- excessively optimistic, ignore the bad aspects of the education system, like the fact its ethnocentric (eg)

Question 3

Outline 2 ways education can promote solidarity

Answer 3

Everyone learns a shared culture in history lessons- gives a sense of social solidarity and commitment to the group
Sports days- brings people together through competition

Question 4

Outline 2 ways education can benefit society

Answer 4

sifting and sorting- puts people on to the path for the career they are suited to based on their abilities and efforts,ensures highest achievers get the best jobs, and lower achiever get the lower payed jobs which are still key for society to function
secondary socialisation - education passes on the key norms and values of society, preparing students for life outside of school
Specialist skills- teaches students specific skills they need to work in the workplace, like communication and critical thinking that allows them to enter a highly competetive division of labour

Question 5

Outline 2 functions of education

Answer 5

Specialist skills- teaches students specific skills needed to perform well in the workplace, like communication and critical thinking
Sifting and sorting- puts students on to the right path for a career that suits them based on their efforts and abilities