Davis & Moore

• What is the main function of education according to Davis and Moore?

  Role allocation
• In which decade did Davis and Moore propose their ideas on education?

  The 1940s
• What societal need do Davis and Moore argue education addresses?

  A skilled workforce for capitalism
• How did Davis and Moore's ideas relate to the ideological war against communism?

  Promoted meritocracy against egalitarianism
• How do schools prepare students for future roles according to Davis and Moore?

  By sifting and sorting based on abilities
• What happens to students with aptitudes for science in the education system?

  They are encouraged towards scientific careers
• What is the relationship between academic achievement and job status according to Davis and Moore?

  Higher grades lead to higher status jobs
• What is the impact of setting and streaming in education?

  Students are sorted by perceived ability
• How does the university admission system reflect role allocation?

  Offers are based on predicted ability
• What vocational qualifications might students with lower academic ability achieve?

  BTEC or T-level qualifications
• What is a consequence of role allocation on wage inequality?

  Greater wage inequality between status levels
• What do Marxists criticize about role allocation and meritocracy?

  They view meritocracy as a myth
• How do Marxists believe meritocracy affects inequality?


  It legitimizes inequality by shifting blame
• What barriers do working-class students face according to the criticisms?

  Material deprivation and labeling
• What do feminists argue about the emphasis in education?

  It favors traditional male professions
• What is the impact of social capital on meritocracy?

  It can overshadow merit in job placements
• How does private education relate to higher status roles?

  Privately educated students enter politics more
• What are the main criticisms of Davis and Moore's role allocation theory?

  • Marxists view meritocracy as a myth
  • It legitimizes inequality by shifting blame
  • Feminists argue it emphasizes male professions
  • Social capital can overshadow merit in job placements
• What are the implications of role allocation in education for social mobility?

  • Role allocation affects career paths
  • Higher academic achievement leads to higher status jobs
  • Lower academic ability often results in vocational paths
  • Wage inequality is influenced by educational outcomes