Functionalist views of education

what is functionalism

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts, where each part plays a role in maintaining the stability and functionality of the whole. It emphasises the contributions of social institutions, like education, to social cohesion and the preparation of individuals for societal roles.

what is parsons idea of secondary socialisation

• Education continues family’s role: ensures children act in socially acceptable ways → an agency of secondary socialisation.

• Family = based on affective relationships; wider society = based on instrumental relationships.

• School helps transition: from particularistic standards (unique family rules) → universalistic standards (impersonal rules for all).

• Through rules, praise & punishment, schools use mechanisms of social control to instil society’s norms and values.

• This teaches self-discipline, reduces deviance, and promotes social order.

• Durkheim: schools act as a “society in miniature”, preparing pupils for adult roles & interactions.

what is Parsons idea of meritocracy

• Education teaches achieved status (earned through effort/ability) over ascribed status (given by family/background).

• Promotes meritocracy → status is gained fairly, regardless of class, gender, or ethnicity.

• Schools = equal opportunity: all pupils judged by universalistic standards (same exams/rules), not particularistic ones.

• Supports value consensus → belief in fairness/effort encourages social cohesion and stability.

what is Durkheim's idea of social solidarity

Durkheim – Social Solidarity (1913)

• Society needs shared beliefs and values to function.

• Education transmits culture → norms & values passed from one generation to the next.

• Creates social solidarity: unity, belonging & shared identity.

• Schools = “society in miniature” → students practise rules, cooperation, discipline & interaction for adult/work life.

• Education also develops citizenship: fosters identity (e.g. “sense of Britishness”), belonging & ability to engage in democratic processes.

• Subjects like history, English & PSHE teach shared heritage → promote integration & solidarity.

• Also provides specialist skills needed for the workplace.

Evaluation:

• Parsons: education emphasises competition, equality & individualism, preparing for capitalism, not social solidarity.

what is Durkheim's idea of specialist skills

• Modern society = complex division of labour → each product needs many people with different specialist skills.

• Education trains individuals with these skills so they can take their place in the workforce.

• Example: Producing a car requires engineers, designers, mechanics, managers, etc.

How this meets economic needs:

• Provides skills for employers (literacy, numeracy, technical knowledge).

• Instils work values (punctuality, discipline, hard work).

• Leads to a healthy economy, higher productivity, and improved living standards.

How this helps individuals:

• Gain skills, qualifications & values that increase employability.

• Provides opportunities for achieved status and future success.

explain David and Moore’s idea of role allocation

• Main function of education = allocate people to jobs that best match their abilities & talents.

• Education = meritocratic → fair, neutral filtering device: the most talented & hardworking succeed in particular subjects and qualifications.

• Those who perform best in subjects/qualifications move into the most important & specialised roles.

• In modern society, with an increasingly specialised division of labour, this ensures the right people are matched to the right jobs.

• Rewards (e.g. high pay, prestige) motivate effort and maintain efficiency in society.