The Functionalist Perspective on Education

Question 1

What is functionalism?

Answer 1

Functionalism is based on the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a value consensus. Each part of society, such as a family, economy or education system performs functions that help to maintain society as a whole.

Question 2

What does Durkheim (functionalist) identify as the two main functions of education?

Answer 2

• Creating social solidarity

- Teaching specialist skills

Question 3

Explain the two main functions of education that Durkheim has identified.

Answer 3

Social Solidarity:

• Education system helps to create social solidarity by teaching its shared beliefs and values from one generation to the next e.g Durkheim argues that teaching a country’s history instills a sense of shared heritage.
• Durkheim argues a sense of social solidarity is required in order for individual members to feel part of a community, if not social life and cooperation would be impossible because each individual would pursue their own selfish desires.
• School also teaches individuals how to interact with others so they are prepared for life in wider society.

Specialist Skills:
-Durkheim argues that education teaches individuals the specialist knowledge and skills that they need to play their part in the social division of labour at work.

Question 4

What is Parsons (functionalist) view on the purpose of education?

Answer 4

Parsons sees the school as the ‘focal socialising agency’ in modern society, acting as a bridge between the family and wider society. This is because the school prepares us for the meritocratic principles of society that apply to everyone, instead of the varying principles that were applied in each family which may have been based on characteristics such as age and gender.

Question 5

What is Davis and Moore’s view on the purpose of education?

Answer 5

Davis and Moore argue that schools also perform the function of selecting and allocating pupils to their future work roles, by assessing their abilities to match them to the job that they are best suited to. This allows the most able to gain the highest qualifications, which then gives them entry to the most important and highly rewarded positions.

Question 6

Evaluate the functionalist perspective of the purpose of education

Answer 6

• The education system does not teach specialist skills adequately, as Durkheim claims. For example, up to a 3rd of 16 to 19 year olds are all courses that do not lead to higher education or good jobs.
• There is clear evidence that equal opportunity in education does not exist. For example, achievement is greatly influenced by class background rather than ability.
• Functionalists see education as a process that communicates the shared values of society as a whole, but Marxists argue that education in capitalist society only communicates the ideology of a minority - the ruling class.