some jobs require more training and skills- more responsibility= better rewards
education ‘sifts and sorts’
those with better qualifications enter the highest paid most prestigious jobs
assimilation theory- patterson 1965
all cultures share norms and values
therefore minority ethnic groups should become absorbed into british mainstream culture in order for society to function
this is the policy of multiculturalism in britain: groups of different ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to understand each other in the hopes that be groups will identify as british, aswell as keeping their own distinctive cultures
criticisms of assimilation theory
disregard for discrimination and institutional racism
critical of migrant groups living in close proximity, often for support or economic reasons
assumes superiority of dominant groups cultural values
some groups find it easier to assimilate than others
assumptions of functionalism
inequality in education is necessary
children are socialised by schools
those who fail are least able
only the best achieve
education is essential to create a workforce
how can functionalism be criticised
F- it transmits culture through education
E- Durkheim- secondary socialisation, welsh language in welsh schools promotes culture
C- Marxists- passes on ruling class values
E- Stephen gorad- modern schools are too occupied with league tables to consider needs of society
C2- feminists- passes on patriarchal norms and values
E- glenys lobban- gender stereotypes in primary schools reading books. Becky Francis- girls socialised into 'feminine subjects'
