Sociological Approaches - Education

Functionalism

Schools teach the key skills and knowledge necessary for a modern, technical society

Functionalism

The education system is a sieve, grading students according to ability and placing pupils into their most appropriate role in society

Functionalism

Education plays an important role in teaching the values and norms of society to each new generation

Functionalism

For society to function smoothly there must be some regulation

Functionalism

Education is learning about society - through education pupils will accept the political system

Marxism

Education reinforces the class system by ensuring children of the poor learn the skills for low-paid jobs

Marxism

Education doesn't provide equal opportunities for all classes

Marxism

Education is socialising individuals into accepting the values of the most powerful group

Marxism

Social control in schools reflects social control in the wider society, which benefits the middle/upper classes

Anti-racists

Social control in schools reflects social control in the wider society, which benefits the dominating Ethnic group

Feminists

Social control in schools reflects social control in the wider society, which benefits men and the patriarchy

Marxism

Only certain political opinions and ideas are tolerated in education. Many of these ideas are from the ruling class

Feminists

Only certain political opinions and ideas are tolerated in education. Many of these ideas are from men

Anti-racists

Only certain political opinions and ideas are tolerated in education. Many of these ideas are from White British groups

Feminism

Education reinforces patriarchy by ensuring that women learn the skills of lower paid jobs and unpaid work in the home

Feminism

Education provides different opportunities to girls and boys, pushing them into studying different subjects based on their gender

Feminism

Education is continuing the process of gender role socialisation, ensuring that boys and girls act they way they should

Anti-racist

Education reinforces the power of the ethnic majority by ensuring that children from minority ethnic backgrounds learn the skills for low-paid jobs

Anti-racist

Students from minority ethnic backgrounds are given less opportunity than white British children

Anti-racist

Education is socialising individuals into accepting the values of the White British