Functionalism

Definition

Assumes society is a system of interdependent parts held together by value consensus ( a mutual understanding of the norms and values of a society) Every part of a society eg  family, education, economy performs functions to make society work Without it= anomie (normlessness)

Durkheim

The founder of functionalism, identifies the roles of education as being reinforcing social solidarity and teaching specialist skills

Social solidarity

Individuals feeling a sense of community/ part of a body- without it everyone would chase their own selfish desires. The education system teaches this by transmitting society’s culture ( values & norms) from one generation to the next. Also acts as a society in miniature= preparing pupils for the real world 

Specialist skills

Education teaches individuals the specialist knowledge they require to play their part in the social division of labour- in order for society to function different specialities are required to cooperate

Parson’s: Meritocracy

Education bridges the gap between family and wider society. In the family a child’s status is ascribed and they are judged by a particularistic standard. In wider society eg school everyone is judged by the same standard based on meritocratic principles= equal opportunities and status achieved through own efforts and achievements

Davis & Moore: Role Allocation

Schools perform the function of selecting and allocating pupils to their future work by assessing their abilities and skills- matching them to jobs they are best suited for. Are aware of inequality within the system but argue it is this inequality required to make society function

Evaluation of Functionalism

• Equal opportunity do not exist- the system prioritises students based on their class background instead of abilities

• Education system does not teach specialist skills adequately

• Education system transmits capitalist ideologies by teaching students hierarchy and inequality

• Functionalist perspective is overly simplistic- placed too much emphasis on the education system acting as a puppet master giving no autonomy to individuals in society