Theories

• What is the key perspective on education according to Functionalists?

  Functionalists believe that all institutions in society have a 'function' which benefits society.
• How do Functionalists view the role of education in society?

  Education is seen as an important tool that promotes social cohesion and stability.
• What role does education play in socialization according to Functionalists?

  Education helps to maintain values by teaching norms and values.
• What is one of the key roles of education in preparing young people?

  Education prepares young people for adulthood and working life.
• How does education contribute to upward social mobility?


  It provides means for improving lives and life chances through upward social mobility.
• What concept did Durkheim introduce regarding too much freedom?

  Durkheim called the condition of too much freedom leading to confusion and uncertainty 'anomie'.
• What did Durkheim argue was necessary for social solidarity?

  Durkheim argued that societies needed to create a sense of social solidarity through institutions like education.
• How did Durkheim view the role of schools in society?

  Durkheim believed schools would provide the social cohesion necessary for belonging in society.
• What was the state of education in the 1800s according to Durkheim?

  Education was not a universal right in the 1800s.
• What is the key way in which socialisation is achieved according to Durkheim?

  Socialisation is achieved through the teaching of shared norms and values in institutions.
• What are the positive functions of education according to Functionalists?

  Functionalists focus on creating social solidarity, teaching skills necessary for work, and teaching core values.
• How does education create social solidarity?

  Education creates social solidarity by making individuals feel part of something bigger through shared learning experiences.
• What did Durkheim mean by 'school is a society in miniature'?

  Durkheim meant that school prepares students for life in wider society by teaching cooperation with others.
• What subjects contribute to social solidarity in schools?

  Subjects like PSHE, history, and English contribute to a shared sense of identity.
• How does vocational education relate to the skills needed in an advanced industrial economy?

  Vocational education teaches the diverse skills necessary for the complex Division of Labour in an advanced industrial economy.
• What is the role of core values in education according to Durkheim?

  Core values are taught simultaneously with a sense of belonging to the whole society.
• How does education facilitate role allocation and meritocracy?

  Education allocates individuals to appropriate jobs based on their talents through examinations and qualifications.
• What is meritocracy in the context of education?

  Meritocracy is the idea that everyone has a chance of success based on their efforts and abilities.
• Why is meritocracy important for peace in society according to Functionalists?

  People will accept status and wage differences if they believe they had a fair chance to succeed.
• What is the criticism of the Functionalist view of education by Marxists?

  Marxists argue that the education system reflects the views of the powerful and passes on bourgeoisie norms and values.
• What do Feminists argue about the education system?

  Feminists argue that the education system passes on patriarchal norms and values of society.
• How has the focus of schools changed in postmodern society?

  Schools today focus more on developing the individual rather than teaching duties and responsibilities to society.
• What is the link between education and economic growth?

  There seems to be a link between education and economic growth, suggesting a good education system benefits society and the economy.
• What evidence suggests that the education system narrows the achievement gap?

  Evidence shows that when schools are open, they narrow the achievement gap between wealthy and poorer students.
• What are some criticisms of the Functionalist perspective on education?

  Functionalism ignores negative aspects of school, such as bullying and the experiences of those who are excluded.
• How did the pandemic affect the functions of education according to the text?

  The pandemic disrupted the functions of education, particularly in terms of universalistic standards and meritocracy.
• What is the role of subject choices in facilitating meritocracy?

  Subject choices allow students to study what they desire, promoting equality of opportunity.
• What is the importance of evaluating sociological perspectives using contemporary evidence?

  Evaluating sociological perspectives with contemporary evidence helps understand the role of education in modern society.
• What is one way the education system could be said to facilitate meritocracy?

  Through individuals' subject choices, allowing students to study what they desire.
• How does the government's response to the pandemic affect the education system's meritocracy?


  It disrupts meritocracy by not judging students by universalistic standards or meritocracy.
• What are the three pieces of contemporary evidence that evaluate Functionalism as applied to education from 2020-2022?

  1. Government plans for 90% of pupils to sit GCSEs with a narrow range of subjects.
  2. Graduate Labour Market Statistics showing employment rates for graduates.
  3. Apprenticeship data indicating participation levels and sectors.
• What is the potential impact of the government's plan for GCSEs on students from deprived backgrounds?

  It may exclude poorer students from creative subjects, increasing inequality of outcomes.
• What percentage of graduates were employed in 2021 according to the Graduate Labour Market statistics?

  67% of graduates were employed in 2021.
• What does the statistic that graduates are three times as likely to be in highly skilled jobs suggest about the education system?


  It suggests that the education system effectively sifts graduates into higher-skilled jobs.
• What does the 2021-22 apprenticeship data indicate about the demographics of apprenticeship participants?

  The majority of people doing apprenticeships are under 25 years old.
• How do apprenticeships function alongside traditional education institutions?

  They work alongside colleges and universities to perform the role allocation function.
• What are the key similarities between the Functionalist perspective and the New Right perspective on education?

  • Both believe inequality is inevitable but justified.
  • Both value meritocratic ideals and open competition.
  • Both see education as a means to meet economic needs.
• What is the New Right's criticism of the current education system?

  They argue it is not meeting goals because it is largely state-run and not privatized.
• What is the concept of 'parentocracy' in the New Right perspective on education?

  It is the idea that parents are in charge of the education system.
• What are some examples of New Right education policies introduced in the last century?

  • National curriculum
  • Open enrolment and formula funding
  • League tables and OFSTED inspections
  • Academisation