Functionalist Perspective

• What is the functionalist perspective on education?

  Education is key for secondary socialisation
• Why do functionalists view schools as vital?

  They teach society's norms and values
• How does the national curriculum contribute to education?

  It teaches norms and values efficiently
• Who was Émile Durkheim?

  A functionalist who studied education
• What did Durkheim believe was the main role of education?

  To socialise children into societal norms
• Why did Durkheim see education as vital for the workforce?

  It creates a competent and united workforce
• Who was Talcott Parsons?

  A functionalist who studied the meritocratic system
• What did Parsons argue about the meritocratic system in schools?

  It prepares pupils for societal life
• How does Parsons believe society judges individuals?

  Based on their abilities and merit
• Why did Parsons view early preparation as positive?

  It helps find suitable roles for individuals
• What perspective does functionalism take on education?

  It views education as a meritocratic system
• What does meritocratic mean in the context of education?

  Benefits go to those who are most able
• How do functionalists view the meritocratic system's impact on society?

  It is beneficial as capable individuals lead
• What do functionalists believe about individual opportunities in education?

  All individuals have the same opportunities
• What do functionalists attribute success in education to?

  Natural gifts and hard work
• What is social mobility?

  The ability to change social status
• How do functionalists view the relationship between education and social mobility?

  Education provides opportunities for upward mobility
• In what way do functionalists believe the education system affects the working class?

  It allows them to progress to a higher status
• What do functionalists believe about the role of education in society?

  It helps people accept the system in place
• How does education prepare individuals for voting?

  It ensures they are adequately educated
• What is one function of education for children according to functionalists?

  To learn about their society
• What do functionalists believe schools are agents of?

  Social control
• How do schools contribute to social control according to functionalists?

  By teaching students correct societal behaviors
• Why is social control in schools considered beneficial to society?

  It helps students smoothly socialize into society
• What type of socialization is school a key agent of?

  Secondary socialization
• What is the primary role of schools in society according to functionalists?

  To socialize students into societal norms
• What is the functionalist view of education?

  Education fulfills key functions for society
• Who are the two key functionalist sociologists discussed?

  Émile Durkheim and Talcott Parsons
• What does social solidarity mean in Durkheim's view?

  Unification through shared values and beliefs
• How does education contribute to social solidarity according to Durkheim?

  It teaches shared values and beliefs
• What is the hidden curriculum in education?

  Unwritten rules and values of schools
• How does studying history contribute to social solidarity?

  It helps students unite over a shared past
• What role do punishments play in Durkheim's view of education?

  They teach self-discipline and societal impact
• What are the three key functions of education according to Durkheim?

  Social solidarity, miniature society, skills for work
• How does Durkheim describe schools in relation to society?

  Schools represent society on a smaller scale
• Why are attendance and punctuality important in education according to Durkheim?

  They show discipline and commitment to learning
• What skills does Durkheim believe are learned through education?

  Specialist skills for collaboration in work
• What is a criticism of Durkheim's view on education?

  Assumes a universal culture exists in society
• What do sociologists argue about the education system's ability to teach workplace skills?

  It cannot always teach exact needed skills
• How do Marxists view the culture transmitted through education?

  It benefits only the ruling class