The functionalist perspective on education Flashcards
(40 cards)
Describe the concept of social solidarity according to Durkheim.
Social solidarity is the idea that society requires a sense of unity among its members, who must feel part of a single community. Without it, social life and cooperation would be impossible as individuals would only pursue their own selfish desires.
Explain how the education system contributes to social solidarity.
The education system contributes to social solidarity by transmitting society’s culture, shared beliefs, and values from one generation to the next, such as teaching a country’s history to instill a sense of shared heritage.
Define the role of schools in society according to Durkheim.
Schools act as a ‘society in miniature’, preparing individuals for life in the wider society by teaching them to cooperate with people who are neither family nor friends.
How does Durkheim view the relationship between individual desires and social cooperation?
Durkheim believes that individual desires must be aligned with social solidarity; without a sense of community, individuals would act solely on their selfish desires, hindering social cooperation.
Do schools only focus on academic skills according to Durkheim’s perspective?
No, according to Durkheim, schools also focus on instilling social values and cooperation skills, preparing students for interactions in broader society.
Explain the significance of teaching history in schools as per Durkheim’s theory.
Teaching history in schools is significant because it helps instill a sense of shared heritage and commitment to the wider social group, fostering social solidarity among students.
Explain the role of impersonal rules in social interactions at school and work.
Impersonal rules govern interactions in both school and work environments, ensuring that individuals interact according to established norms that apply universally, promoting fairness and structure.
Describe the concept of specialist skills in modern industrial economies.
Specialist skills refer to the specific knowledge and abilities required to perform particular roles within a complex division of labor, where the production of goods often involves collaboration among various experts.
How does cooperation among specialists contribute to social solidarity?
Cooperation among specialists fosters social solidarity by ensuring that individuals work together effectively, relying on each other’s expertise to achieve common goals, thus strengthening social bonds.
Define the importance of education in relation to the social division of labor.
Education is crucial as it equips individuals with the necessary specialist knowledge and skills required to fulfill their roles within the social division of labor, enabling effective participation in the economy.
Describe the role of school according to Parsons in modern society.
Parsons views the school as the ‘focal socialising agency’ that acts as a bridge between the family and wider society, helping children learn new ways of living to cope with the broader world.
Explain the difference between particularistic and universalistic standards in the context of family and school.
In the family, children are judged by particularistic standards that apply only to them, while in school and society, they are judged by universalistic and impersonal standards that apply to everyone.
Define ascribed status and provide an example.
Ascribed status is a social position assigned at birth, such as being the elder son or younger daughter, which can lead to different rights or duties based on age and sex.
How does achieved status differ from ascribed status in Parsons’ view?
Achieved status is based on individual effort and ability, meaning that a person’s position can change based on their performance, unlike ascribed status which is fixed by birth.
What is the significance of meritocracy in Parsons’ theory?
Meritocracy is significant in Parsons’ theory as it ensures that everyone has equal opportunities and that rewards are based on individual effort and ability, preparing individuals for wider society.
Do schools and society operate on the same principles according to Parsons?
Yes, both schools and society operate on meritocratic principles, where individuals are judged by the same standards and their status is largely achieved.
Explain how Parsons believes school prepares children for society.
Parsons believes that school prepares children for society by teaching them to adapt from the particularistic standards of the family to the universalistic standards of society.
What is the relationship between family and society in Parsons’ view?
Parsons sees the family and society as operating on different principles, necessitating a transition through school to help children learn how to navigate the wider world.
Describe the implications of meritocracy for individual achievement.
In a meritocracy, individual achievement is based on personal effort and ability, meaning that success is attainable for anyone who works hard, regardless of their background.
How does Parsons’ view reflect Durkheim’s ideas?
Parsons draws on Durkheim’s ideas by emphasizing the importance of social institutions, like schools, in socializing individuals and maintaining social order.
Explain the perspective of Davis and Moore on education.
Davis and Moore view education as a device for selection and role allocation, emphasizing its relationship with social inequality.
Describe the role of schools according to functionalists.
Functionalists argue that schools select and allocate pupils to their future work roles by assessing their aptitudes and abilities, helping to match them to suitable jobs.
How do Davis and Moore justify social inequality in relation to job roles?
They argue that social inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles are filled by the most talented individuals, as not everyone possesses the same level of talent.
Define the implications of having less able individuals in critical job roles according to Davis and Moore.
Davis and Moore suggest that having less able individuals in critical roles, such as surgeons or airline pilots, would be inefficient and potentially dangerous.
