Perspectives of the Role of education :

Question 1

What is the organ analogy? And who says it?

Answer 1

Durkheim, the organ analogy compares the different parts of society to the organs of a living organism. Society is made up of various institutions.

Question 2

What are the four functions of education according to Functionalism?

Answer 2

> social solidarity
specialist skills
role allocation
meritocracy.

Question 3

What does Durkheim say school is like?

Answer 3

a society in minature. preparing us for wider society.

Question 4

What is the purpose of learning specialist skills according to Durkheim?

Question 5

What does Parsons believe education is?

Answer 5

‘focal socialising agency’

Question 6

Particularistic Values?

Answer 6

These are the standards that children in the family are judged by - they only apply to this individual child. In the family the child’s status is ascribed not achieved.

Question 7

Universalistic Values?

Answer 7

These are standards used by schools and society - everyone is judged by the same rules. In school/society the status is achieved not ascribed.

Question 8

What is the bridge anaolgy and according to who?

Answer 8

Parsons said the education system is like a bridge to wider society.

Question 10

Criticisms of the functionalist perspective?

Answer 10

-new right argues that state education fails to prepare people for work.
-doubtful whether schools teach the skills needed by the economy
-not meritocratic, class, gender and ethnicity affects educational achievement.

Question 11

Meritocracy?

Answer 11

everyone has a chance to succeed through their own efforts and dedication.

Question 12

Value Consensus?

Answer 12

shared agreement between a community, of shared norms and values.

Question 13

Functionalists believe that we live in a meritocratic society how does education contribute to meritocracy?

Answer 13

functionalists believe that meritocracy is important for peace in society because people will only accept status/wage differences if they believe they have a fair chance to climb the ladder.

Question 14

How did Davis and Moore suggest that education allocates roles in society?

Answer 14

through the use of examinations, identifies specific talents and positions in society requires different talents. for the workforce.

Question 15

Human capital?

Answer 15

SCHULTZ (1971) investment in human capital creates a solid work force.
£88bn spent on education every year.