Overall summery of Functionalism and education

• What are 3 strengths of the functionalist perspective of education?

  • Identifies education as an essential part of the social structure.
  • Acknowledges the role of education secondary socialisation.
  • Recognises the importance of a structured workforce in a modern economy and the need to be able to allocate those roles justly and efficiently.
• What are 2 weaknesses of the functionalist perspective on education?

  • Different values are taught to different groups. Top sets are taught to question and bottom sets to conform.
  • The values of schools represent the interests of the ruling class, or to a feminist the rules of Patriarchy.
• What do Marxists argue?

  They argue that there is little chance for upward mobility and equality of opportunity as the education system serves to confirm people in their class position.
• What do the new right criticise?

  They say that the education system does not prepare people adequately for work. They argue that the state control of education discourages efficiency, competition and choice when only the free market can really meet peoples needs.