Functionalism

• What are the three functions of education according to Functionalists?

  1. Secondary socialisation, 2. Allocation function, 3. Teaching skills needed in work
• How does education contribute to secondary socialisation?


  It helps to pass on core values to individuals.
• What is the allocation function of education?


  It sifts and sorts people for appropriate jobs.
• What skills does education teach according to Functionalists?


  Skills needed in work and by the economy.
• What did Durkheim say about the role of education?


  It passes on norms and values to integrate individuals into society.
• How does education contribute to social order according to Durkheim?


  It creates social order based on cohesion and value consensus.
• What is the role of schools according to Parsons?


  Schools act as a bridge between the family and adult roles in society.
• What universal value does Parsons say schools pass on?


  Achievement.
• What does it mean for education to be meritocratic?


  Social rewards are allocated by talent and effort rather than birth position.
• What do Davis and Moore argue about education and society?


  Every society sorts its members into different positions through education.
• What are the 'principles of stratification' according to Davis and Moore?


  Rules for how education sorts individuals into different positions.
• Why do Davis and Moore believe unequal rewards are necessary?


  To motivate people to train for top positions.
• What evidence suggests that education is not meritocratic?

  Differential achievement in terms of class, ethnicity, and gender.
• What do the New Right argue about education's effectiveness?


  It doesn’t prepare people properly for work.
• What is a specific example of education failing to meet economic needs?

  The lack of engineering graduates.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Functionalist view of education?


  Strengths:

  • Recognizes the role of education in passing on norms and values.
  • Links education to social solidarity.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Does not address how education serves particular groups.
  • Fails to explain conflict within education.
• What is the significance of the clips provided in the study material?

  • They illustrate how schools pass on norms and values.
  • They provide real-world examples of educational concepts.