Parsons (1961)

• What did Parsons believe education was a bridge between?

  The family and wider society
• What did Parsons describe education as?

  Society in miniature - both are meritocratic
• What did Parsons believe school should be?

  Based on meritocratic principles on universalistic standards - teaching students if they work hard they can succeed.
• The education system takes over as the main source of socialisation from the family before the child enters the workspace.
• What did he believe it was important the school based on to each child?

  A set of core values
• What sociological perspective did he argue from?

  Functionalism