functionalist

• talcott parsons

  • schools prepare children for the same universalistic standards
• meritocracy

  • students achievements are based on their abilities and efforts - not their social class, gender or ethnicity
• schools prepare young people for working life and adulthood by teaching them the skills they need to succeed in the world of work
• functionalists argue that schools teach students how to be good citizens who will contribute positively to society
• schools play an important role in maintaining social cohesion by promoting shared values and norms
• functionalists suggest that schools encourage individuals to develop self-discipline
• functionalists argue that schooling teaches people how to work as part of a team
• durkheim argued that schools promote solidarity through shared experiences such as uniforms, assemblies and sports teams