Durkheim

• What did Durkheim suggest about the functions of education?

  Education performs a range of positive functions for society.
• What are two positive functions of education according to Durkheim?

  Promotion of social solidarity and teaching of specialist skills.
• How does education promote social solidarity?

  By teaching subjects like history and literature that foster a shared heritage.
• What is social solidarity according to Durkheim?

  Social ties that bind individuals together.
• What two forms of social solidarity did Durkheim identify?

  Mechanical solidarity and organic solidarity.
• What characterized mechanical solidarity?

  Strong lifelong bonds in small communities with shared beliefs.
• What societal changes did Durkheim associate with the shift to organic solidarity?

  Mass urbanization, industrialization, and secularization.
• How does education promote moral education according to Durkheim?

  By teaching students about their shared heritage and common identity.
• What subjects does Durkheim suggest are important for promoting social solidarity?

  History, literature, and religion.
• How do communal gatherings in schools promote social solidarity?

  They celebrate achievements and communicate messages of belonging.
• What role do house systems and school clubs play in education?

  They create social cohesion and a sense of belonging among students.
• How did Michael Gove's educational reforms aim to promote social solidarity?

  By reforming the history curriculum to focus on a British narrative.
• What are the British values introduced in schools to promote social solidarity?

  Democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.
• How do Marxists critique Durkheim's view on education?

  They argue that education benefits the ruling classes, not the masses.
• What is "little Englandism" as critiqued by Stephen Ball?

  Education focuses on British history while neglecting diverse perspectives.
• How might the teaching of British values marginalize minority ethnic groups?

  By implying that non-Christian faiths are inferior through the concept of tolerance.
• What was the state of education before the industrial revolution according to Durkheim?

  Most people worked in agriculture and needed little formal education.
• How does the national curriculum help prepare students for employment?

  By setting knowledge and skills required for future jobs.
• What role do vocational qualifications play in education?

  They prepare students for specific professions requiring specialized skills.
• Why did Durkheim believe education became more important after the industrial revolution?

  Because a diverse and complex workforce required specialized skills.
• What is the significance of standardized assessments in education?

  They test students on specific skills and knowledge learned.
• How has globalization impacted the skills taught in education?

  Students are taught skills to compete in the global marketplace.
• What do Marxists argue about the knowledge taught in schools?

  Students are taught fragmented knowledge for specific roles without connections.
• What is the "reserve army of labour" as discussed by Marxists?

  Overqualified students competing for limited job opportunities.
• How do Marxists view the impact of competition in job markets?

  It drives wages down and forces workers to be compliant.
• What evidence suggests that having qualifications does not guarantee employment?

  The high number of NEETs (not in education, employment, or training) among young people.
• What is the purpose of teaching specialist skills in education?

  To ensure there are enough qualified individuals to fill job vacancies.
• How do feminists critique the teaching of specialist skills?

  They argue it creates hierarchies of employment and discourages girls from certain subjects.