Functionalist theories of education

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What does education do in “Durkheim - creates social solidarity?”

Education passes on key values, functional pre-requisites, the basic needs of society. Education acts like the glue that binds people as one which helps creates social solidarity and a collective consciousness which makes us feel like we’re apart of something bigger.

What is the role of education in society in “Durkheim - creates social solidarity?”

The role of education is to pass on norms and values to fit into society via the hidden and actual curriculum. Durkheim argued that ‘school is society in a miniature’ preparing us for wider society

Evaluation points in “Durkheim - creates social solidarity?”

There are a range of different schools, such as private/public which creates fragmentation - a lack of social solidarity. It can be argued that education passes on the values of the ruiling class

What does education do in “Durkheim - specialised skills?”

At school individuals learn the diverse skills necessary for this to take place for example we may all start learning the same subject but later we specialise when we do GCSE skills like IT English maths and also communication skills are learn preparing us for work life Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of education in “Durkheim - specialised skills?”

Education helps prepare individuals for lots of job opportunities. Lots of jobs we need people to do require a wide skill set which is taught via the education Signup and view all the answers

Evaluation in “Durkheim - specialised skills?”

Work is now so varied and diverse education no longer prepares people. Schools do little to prepare students for the work of world this is because they are deep decreasing access to vocational courses. Signup and view all the answers

What does education do in “Parsons - secondary socialisation?”

School is the bridge between family and society at home at particularistic standards which are unique to each family but we need to learn about why does societies expectation school provides secondary socialisation for example norms and values needed to integrated society successfully Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of education in “Parsons - secondary socialisation?”

It prepares us to be judged by universalistic standards as we are all judged in the same way through the same standards for example in school with the same exams and it prepares us to be judged by the same laws in wider society Signup and view all the answers

Evaluation in “Parsons - secondary socialisation?”

Some people get more or less support than others and maybe advantage for example males or females different ethnicities and different classes will be treated differently Signup and view all the answers

What does education do in “Davis and Moore - Role allocation and meritocracy?”

Education helps allocate people to their future level of job market as it identifies students through human capital where the richest receive the best jobs and the most talent will get the best jobs through the grades they receive Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of education in society in in “Davis and Moore - Role allocation and meritocracy?”

It creates a sense of meritocracy as everyone has the same opportunity to succeed, which is based of hard work and effort Signup and view all the answers

Evaluation in “Davis and Moore - Role allocation and meritocracy?”

Different schools of the different opportunities based on social class, gender and ethnicity Signup and view all the answers

Durkheim's social solidarity

Education transmits core societal values and creates a feeling of belonging, fostering social cohesion.

Durkheim's specialised skills

Education prepares individuals with diverse skills for a variety of jobs.

Parsons' secondary socialisation

Schools teach individuals societal norms and values, preparing them for a larger society.

Davis and Moore's role allocation

Education allocates individuals to different jobs based on their abilities, with higher positions for more talent.