Functionalism

• What are the two functions of the education system according to Durkheim?

  Promotes social solidarity and provides specialist skills
• Why are specialist skills important in modern economies?

  They are needed for an educated workforce
• How does the education system contribute to the division of labour?

  It provides skills based on individual abilities
• What is the relationship between education and the workforce according to Durkheim?

  Education prepares individuals for productive roles
• What term does Schultz use to describe the quality of labour?

  Human capital
• How does investing in education benefit society according to Schultz?

  It produces efficient members for economic growth
• What is the purpose of the education system in relation to economic needs?

  It prepares individuals to meet societal needs
• What are the key questions sociologists ask about the education system?

  • Does education provide equal opportunities?
  • Does it reduce or reproduce inequalities?
  • How does it serve the economy's needs?
  • What knowledge and values are transmitted?
• What does "the curriculum" refer to in education?

  Courses and subjects on the national curriculum
• What is meant by "the hidden curriculum"?

  Unwritten norms and values learned in schools
• How does functionalism view the role of education in society?

  It promotes social solidarity and integration
• What is the significance of social solidarity in education?

  It fosters cooperation among society's members
• How does the education system prepare individuals for working life?

  By teaching norms and values through socialisation
• What are the main components of functionalism in sociology?

  • Structural theory; macro perspective
  • Society is more important than individuals
  • Order and predictability are key
  • Social institutions work together
  • Value consensus promotes social order
  • Inequality is natural and necessary
• What does "role allocation" refer to in education?

  Assigning individuals to roles based on merit
• How does education contribute to social mobility?

  It allows individuals to improve their status
• What is the role of education in maintaining social order?

  It transmits norms and values through socialisation
• What is the purpose of the education system according to functionalists?

  To promote social solidarity and teach skills
• How does the education system serve the needs of the economy?

  By providing a skilled workforce for industries
• In what way does the education system prepare students for future employment?

  By teaching discipline and punctuality
• How does the education system transmit culture according to Durkheim?

  By teaching norms and values across generations
• Who influenced Parsons' ideas in functionalism?

  Durkheim
• What positive functions does education perform for society?

  • Transmits norms and values
  • Prepares individuals for work
  • Teaches specialist skills
• What is meritocracy according to Parsons?

  A system where success is based on effort
• How does education act as a bridge according to Parsons?

  It connects family and society
• What are the two types of standards by which children are judged?

  • Particularistic standards (within family)
  • Universalistic standards (wider society)
• How are children judged under particularistic standards?

  By parents with specific family rules
• What defines universalistic standards in society?

  Same laws apply to everyone
• How do universalistic standards function in education?

  Through standardized testing and rules
• What does passing or failing in school depend on?

  Performance based on merit
• How does work relate to meritocratic principles?

  Promotions are based on performance
• What methods enforce universalistic standards in education?

  • Standardized testing
  • Transmission of cultural norms
  • School disciplinary policies
  • Uniform policies
  • Ofsted inspections
  • Hidden curriculum
• What activity is suggested to compare job roles in class?

  • Compare jobs based on:
  • Hard work
  • Earnings
  • Discuss meritocracy in work and education
• What is the role of schools according to Davis and Moore?

  To test pupils and group by ability
• Why is inequality necessary in society according to Davis and Moore?

  It allows talented individuals to perform important functions
• How does education 'sift and sort' individuals?

  By testing abilities for future roles
• What is the outcome for the most able individuals in education?

  They achieve the highest paid jobs
• What are some strengths of the Functionalist view of education?

  • Higher education leads to better jobs
  • Schools create social solidarity
  • Education has become more meritocratic
  • Education is more work-focused now
• What are some criticisms of the Functionalist view of education?

  • Lack of value consensus in schools
  • Assumes passive acceptance of norms
  • Ignores negative experiences like bullying
  • Social policies favor middle-class students
• What do postmodernists argue about schools and value consensus?

  Schools cannot achieve a universal set of values