role and function of education in contemporary society

WJEC essay plan for the role and function of education in contemporary society

functional perspective - education and socialisation

one of the key functions of education is the transmission of societal norms and values from generation to generation.

functional perspective - preparing for adult roles

education equips individuals with the vital skills and knowledge needed to fulfil adult roles and responsibilities in society.

functional perspective - promoting social cohesion

education fosters a sense of belonging, promoting unity and mutual understanding in a multicultural society.

functional perspective - selection and allocation

education is seen as a meritocratic system that selects and allocates individuals into appropriate jobs based on their abilities.

Marxist perspective - reproduction of class inequality

education is perceived as an instrument that reproduces class inequality by benefiting the rich and powerful while disadvantaging the poor.

Marxist perspective - legitimising class inequality

education serves to legitimise class inequality by portraying it as a result of individual failure rather than systematic bias.

Marxist perspective - providing a compliant workforce

through its hidden curriculum, education prepares individuals to accept authority and play their part in maintaining the capitalist system.

feminist perspective - gender role socialisation

education contributes to the reinforcement of traditional gender roles through both the formal and hidden curriculum.

feminist perspective - instrument of patriarchal control

education is viewed as a tool of patriarchal societies to maintain male dominance and female subordination.

feminist perspective - promoting gender equality

education can also be seen as a vehicle to challenge and change traditional gender roles, thereby promoting gender equality.

postmodernist perspective - individualisation and choice

in contemporary society, education has moved away from a one-size-fits-all approach, offering more choice and flexibility, thus reflecting the individualisation of society.

postmodernist perspective - fragmentation of knowledge

education systems now offer a diverse range of knowledge, reflecting the fragmentation of culture in postmodern societies.

postmodernist perspective - education and social change

education in postmodern societies is seen as a source of social change and innovation. it prepares individuals to engage in a rapidly changing world.