Functionalist Perspective in Education System

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Questions and Answers

According to Davis and Moore (1945), what is the function of education?

Teaching obedience and not skills

Creating a system based on real excellence

Allocating people to most suited jobs based on talents (correct)

Encouraging competition to help people into the correct jobs

What is a weakness highlighted in the perspective of Davis and Moore (1945)?

Lack of encouragement for competition

Providing hands-on learning opportunities

Equal opportunities if resources aren't available

Heavy focus on exams and pressures (correct)

How do feminists criticize the concept of meritocracy in education?

Men have more job opportunities (correct)

Highlighting positive functions of education

Encouraging competition through exams

Ensuring equal opportunities for all

What do Marxists argue about the role of school in the education system?

Teaches obedience and not skills Signup and view all the answers

According to the functionalist perspective, what is the purpose of secondary socialization in the education system?

To teach the hidden curriculum, including norms and values Signup and view all the answers

How did Durkheim view schools in relation to society according to the functionalist perspective?

As miniature societies that prepare individuals for life Signup and view all the answers

From the functionalist perspective, what does Parsons believe about the standards in family versus school?

Family has particularistic standards, while school has universalistic standards Signup and view all the answers

According to Durkheim's view of skills provision, why does education need to provide knowledge for specific occupations?

Due to the complex division of labor in future industrial societies Signup and view all the answers

According to the functionalist perspective, what is the purpose of secondary socialisation in the education system?

Teaching the hidden curriculum, including norms and values Signup and view all the answers

How do Durkheim and Parsons view the role of schools in society according to the text?

As preparing individuals for life and fostering social solidarity Signup and view all the answers

From the functionalist perspective, why is education seen as necessary to provide a trained workforce?

Due to the role of schools in teaching specific skills for future industrial societies Signup and view all the answers

What did Durkheim believe about the role of education in maintaining society, according to the text?

Education maintains society by socializing the young into values via hidden curriculum Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Davis and Moore (1945): Education's Function

Education's function is to allocate individuals to roles within society based on their abilities and merit.
A weakness is the potential for social inequality and the perpetuation of existing power structures. The theory overlooks factors hindering social mobility, particularly for disadvantaged groups.

Feminist Critique of Meritocracy

Feminists argue meritocracy in education is a myth, masking gender inequalities in access and opportunity, perpetuating patriarchal structures.

Marxist Perspective on Schools

Marxists view schools as instruments of social control and reproduction of class inequality. They argue education reinforces existing power structures and serves the interests of the dominant class.

Functionalist Perspective: Secondary Socialization

The purpose of secondary socialization in education is to transmit societal norms, values, and beliefs beyond the family, preparing individuals for adult roles and social participation.

Durkheim's Functionalist View of Schools

Durkheim viewed schools as crucial societal institutions that transmit culture and norms, contributing to social cohesion and order. Schools teach solidarity and shared values.

Parsons: Family vs. School Standards

Parsons contrasted the family's particularistic standards (love, affection) with the school's universalistic standards (impartiality, achievement), signifying a transition to broader societal roles.

Durkheim: Education and Occupational Skills

Durkheim saw education as providing specialized knowledge and skills specific to various occupations to meet societal needs and promote occupational division of labor.

Functionalist Perspective: Workforce Preparation

Education is necessary to provide a trained work force that meets the needs of a complex, specialized economy and enables continuous technological advancement..

Durkheim believed education helps maintain social order by promoting social cohesion, solidarity, and a shared understanding of societal values and norms.

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Description

Explore the functionalist perspective on the education system, focusing on its positive functions, secondary socialization, skills provision, and role allocation. Understand the concept of hidden curriculum, socialization into societal norms and values, and the preparation for adulthood.