Role of education

• Why do sociologists hold conflicting views on education?

  They have different sociological perspectives.
• What is the functionalist perspective on education?

  • Society is a system of interdependent parts.
  • Each part performs functions to maintain society.
  • Education transmits culture and values.
• Who is the founder of functionalism?

  Durkheim
• What are the two main functions of education identified by Durkheim?

  Social solidarity and specialist skills.
• Why is social solidarity important in society?

  It helps individuals feel part of a community.
• How does the education system create social solidarity?

  By transmitting culture from one generation to another.
• What is an example of how education transmits culture?

  Teaching British history in schools.
• What does the term 'society in miniature' refer to in education?

  School prepares us for life in wider society.
• What is the significance of specialist skills in modern economies?

  They are necessary for cooperation in production.
• What does Parsons define as meritocracy?

  An equal opportunity system based on effort.
• How does Parsons view the role of school in society?

  As a bridge between family and wider society.
• What are particularistic standards in the family?

  Rules that apply only to a specific child.
• What are universalistic standards in society?

  Standards that apply to everyone equally.
• What is the role of schools in role allocation according to Davis and Moore?

  They match pupils to suitable future work roles.
• Why is inequality necessary in society according to Davis and Moore?

  To ensure important roles are filled by the talented.
• What do Blau and Duncan argue about human capital?

  It depends on workers' skills for prosperity.
• What are the criticisms of the functionalist perspective on education?

  • Equal opportunity does not exist.
  • Education transmits ruling class ideology.
  • Over-socialized view of individuals.
  • State education fails to prepare for work.
• What is neoliberalism in the context of education?

  An economic doctrine influencing education policy.
• What do neoliberalists argue about state services like education?

  They should not be provided by the state.
• How have neoliberal ideas influenced governments since 1979?

  Encouraged competition and privatization.
• What is the New Right perspective on education?

  A conservative view incorporating neoliberal ideas.
• What are the similarities between the New Right and functionalism?

  • Both believe in natural talent differences.
  • Both favor meritocratic education systems.
  • Both support socializing shared values.
• Why does the New Right believe the current education system fails?

  It is run by the state and lacks responsiveness.
• What is marketisation in education according to the New Right?

  Creating an education market for competition.
• What do Chubb and Moe argue about state-run education in the US?

  It fails to create equal opportunity.
• What did Chubb and Moe find in their research on private vs. state schools?

  Pupils from low-income families perform better in private schools.
• What are the two roles of the state according to the New Right?

  Impose a framework and ensure cultural transmission.
• What is the National Curriculum's purpose according to the New Right?

  To ensure schools transmit a shared culture.
• Why do the New Right oppose multicultural education?

  It undermines a single national identity.
• What are the criticisms of the New Right perspective on education?

  • Low standards caused by social inequality.
  • Education imposes ruling class culture.
• How do Marxists view the function of education in society?

  As a means to maintain capitalism and prevent revolution.
• What are the two classes in capitalism according to Marxists?

  Capitalist class and working class.
• What is the role of the Repressive State Apparatus (RSA)?

  To maintain control through force or threat.
• What is the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA)?

  Controls ideas, values, and beliefs in society.
• How does education reproduce class inequality according to Althusser?

  By failing successive generations of working-class pupils.
• What do Bowles and Gintis argue about the education system's role in capitalism?

  It reproduces an obedient workforce for capitalism.
• What is the correspondence principle?

  Education structures mirror those of work.
• What is the hidden curriculum?

  Lessons learned without direct teaching.
• How does the hidden curriculum prepare working-class pupils?

  By accepting hierarchy and competition.
• What is the myth of meritocracy according to Marxists?

  It disguises the true causes of inequality.