Topic 6- The role of education Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the functionalist perspective on education?
We need ‘organic analogy’ to be able to work effectively - in order for society to function we need institutions to work to prevent anomie from occurring.
And education is important as it helps meet society’s needs
Who is Durkheim, and what did he state were the two main functions of the education system?
Durkheim is the founder of functionalism. He stated that 1. Creating social solidarity
2. Teaching Specialist skills were the two main functions.
What is Social Solidarity?
All members in a society needs to work as one body and community. If we did not, cooperation would not be possible. The education system is designed to create social solidarity by teaching everyone the same beliefs and values
What is teaching specialist skills?
Durkheim states that school teaches individuals special knowledge that they need to play their part in the social division of labour
How does Parsons say family acts as a form of socialisation?
In a family, a child is judge by particular characteristics which only apply to that child (particular standards).
How does Parsons say School is form of socialisation
In school there is universalistic standards that apply to everyone where there is no favouritism
What does David & Moore say about role allocation?
They say that in a complex society, we need school to help sift and sort pupils into roles best suited for their aptitude and ability.
What is the Neoliberalism and New Right perspective on education?
Neoliberals believe the education system should be a place where competition is present to drive up standards.
New Rights incorporate this idea and favour the marketisation policy
How are the Neolib and New right perspectives similar to functionalists?
- Both believe that some people are naturally more talented than others
- Education should serve the needs of the economy by preparing young people for work.
How are the Neolib and New right perspectives different to functionalists?
New right does not believe that the education system is working because it is run by the state.
What is the Marxist approach?
See education system is based on class divide and capitalist exploitation, believing society is based on conflict between the two classes:
bourgeoisie (capitalist, ruling class) and proletariat (working class)
According to Althusser, what are the two apparatuses which serve to keep the capitalists in power? These are also the 2 functions in education
Repressive State Apparatus- maintain rule by force or threat of it e.g the police, courts etc.
Ideological State Apparatus- maintain rule by controlling people’s ideas, values and beliefs.
What is the correspondence principle?
close parallels with school and the workplace as there is a hierarchy between headteachers and pupils
What is the hidden curriculum?
Lessons that are learnt outside of taught classes e.g students working for extrinsic rewards etc
Why do Marxists believe in the myth of meritocracy? (Bowles and Gintis)
They believe that the main factor that determines whether someone does well and earns well, is due to family and class background, not ability or educational achievement.
What does Bowles and Gintis say about the working class and their underachievement?
They have a ‘poor and dumb’ theory stating that the working class are to blame because they simply do not try hard enough at school as oppose to capitalism.
What is the postmodernism view on the role of education?
They argue there has been an increase in individualism in society, with it becoming more chaotic, fragmented and diverse, therefore one ingle approach on education is inadequate.
What educational policies have the postmodernism view influenced?
- Increase in adult education e.g. colleges, open university
- Customised schools e.g. faith schools, public schools, free schools, grammar schools etc.
