Sociological Theories of Education -

Question 1

What is the overall Functionalist view of education?

Answer 1

The education performs 4 vital functions for society

Question 2

What are the 4 functions of education from the functionalist theory?

Answer 2

1. To create social solidarity
2. To teach the skills necessary for work
3. To tech core values
4. Role allocation and meritocracy

Question 3

What does Durkheim say about education?

Answer 3

• school creates social solidarity by making us feel as if we are a part of something bigger by having a shared sense of identity
• school is a society in miniature
• school teaches specialist schools for work

Question 4

What does Parsons say about education?

Answer 4

• it is the focal socialising agency
• it is the central role in the process of secondary socialisation

Question 5

What is a particularistic standard?

Answer 5

A standard that children are judged by as outlined by their parents

Question 6

What is a universalistic standard?

Answer 6

A standard that school and the wider society judge children and adults by e.g. committing crime

Question 7

What are the positive evaluation points of the functionalist theory?

Answer 7

.

Question 8

What are the negative evaluation points of the functionalist theory of education?

Answer 8

• ignores the negative side of school e.g. bullying
• Marxists would argue that it is ideological

Question 9

What is the overall Marxist view of education?

Answer 9

the education system works in the interest of the ruling class elites

Question 10

What does Marxism say is the 3 functions that the education system performs for them?

Answer 10

1. Reproduces class inequality as MC children are more likely to succeed
2. Legitimates class inequality through the myth of meritocracy
3. Works in the interest of capitalist employers by socialising children toa ccept authority and hierarchy