5.1.1: Functionalist views on education

functional view

functional view

• see society as made up for interrelated parts

• education - shared culture and norms essentially maintain society

• how parts of society contribute to production of shared norms and values

• focused on the positive contributions

• highlights maintenance of the social system

2 questions when researching education for functionalists

1. what are the functions of education for society as a whole?

2. what are the functional relationships between education and other parts of the social system?

education and social solidarity

• durkheim

• education and social rules: saw school as society in miniature

• education and division of labour: education teaches skills needed for future occupations, specialised division of labour

• evaluation:

  1. assumes that society has a shared culture that can be passed onto the education system

     • existence of a variety of cultures

     • multicultural society - some shared norms and values i.e. language, tolerance

  2. marxists argue the education system serves the interests of the ruling class

  3. radical feminists see education as serving interests of patriarchy

  4. hargreaves

education and universalistic values

• parsons

• education and value consensus: value consensus is essential - 2 major values:

  1. value of achievement - high levels of academic attainment

  2. value of equality of opportunity - letting individuals compete on equal terms

• education and selection: selection of individuals for future role in society, role allocation

• evaluation:

  • fails to adequately consider how values transferred benefit ruling minority

  • support - green

education and role allocation

• davis and moore

• evaluation:

  1. considerable doubt about claim that the education system grades people based on ability

  2. social stratification largely prevents education system from grading individuals in terms of ability