functionalist role of education

what were Parsons’ 4 theories

bridge theory

particularistic standards

universal standards

meritocracy

what are particularistic standards

standards that only apply to one particular child

what are universal standards

standards that apply to everyone in society

what is the bridge theory

the idea that school acts as a bridge between family (particularistic) and society (universal) - they operate on different principles so children must learn these new principles

what is meritocracy

the idea that everyone has equal opportunities to gain rewards and they will do this through their own efforts

what are Durkheim’s 2 functions of education

social solidarity

specialist skills

what is social solidarity

the idea that education provides a sense of community by transmitting cultures

society is a school in minature (prepares students for jobs and replicates society)

what are specialist skills

the idea that school teaches certain skills to prepare the students for work and labour market - this promotes social solidarity because it encourages team effort within labour

what is Davis and Moore’s function of education

role allocation

what is role allocation

the idea that schools allocate students jobs and roles based on their talent - rewards from these higher jobs increases competition and meritocracy