Functionalism

• What did Durkheim believe about education?

  It provided the link between individuals and society by instilling shared norms and values
• Why did Durkheim think that education was essential?

  Industrialised society is based on specialised skills which we learn in school
• What is functional prerequisite?

  basic need to live above the line of poverty
• What are the criticisms of Durkheim's thoughts of education?

  • Assumes that the norms and values promoted in schools are those of all
  • Other functionalists see competition as an essential part of society
  • Hargreaves (1982) believes that most British schools fail to transmit shared values
• What are universalistic standards?

  When everyone is judged by the same standards regardless of factors such as age, gender or ethnicity
• What is meritocracy?

  Having equal opportunity so that one can succeed through effort and hard work alone
• What did Parsons believe about education?

  School is the focal socialising agency where young people are taught society's basic values and are judged by universalistic standards
• What did Parsons believe two major values instilled in students were?

  1. The value of achievement
  2. The value of equality of opportunity
• What is social mobility?

  Movement in social class
• What is achieved status?

  Earned status based on effort and not things gained without it
• What is role allocation?

  Schools testing and evaluating students to match their skills and capabilities to the jobs they are best suited for
• What does Parsons think the value of achievement does?

  The value of achievement motivates students and fosters achievements itself through praise
• How does the value of achievement in secondary socialisation help in an industrial society?

  Advanced industrial society requires a highly motivated, achievement oriented workforce which students will be suited for
• What are the criticisms of Parsons?

  Fails to consider the diversity of values in modern societies
• What do Davis and Moore argue about role allocation?

  Inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented people
• What is Human Capital?

  The success of the modern economy depending on how it uses it workers skills
• What are the criticisms of Davis and Moore?

  • Only a weak link between education qualifications and income
  • Social class prevents prevents people from being graded according to their ability