Sociology of Education: Functionalism and the New Right

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering functionalist perspectives (Durkheim, Parsons, Schultz, Davis & Moore), the New Right perspective (Chubb & Moe), and critical evaluations.

According to general functionalist theory, what is the primary role and function of education in society?

To create and maintain social solidarity and cohesion, serving as a cornerstone of society to ensure it flourishes and remains a positive place for all members.

How did Émile Durkheim define social cohesion, and what is education's role in establishing it?

Durkheim defined social cohesion as the unity and shared purpose binding a society together; education fosters this by teaching individuals the norms, values, and behaviours necessary for collective living.

What term did Émile Durkheim use to describe the shared beliefs and values holding society together that are reinforced by education?

The collective conscience.

According to Durkheim's perspective, how do schools integrate diverse backgrounds and counter negative or deviant norms?

Schools integrate diverse backgrounds through shared experiences like a national curriculum and assemblies, and counter deviant norms through initiatives like anti-bullying campaigns and citizenship lessons.

What is the "bridging effect" of education as described by Talcott Parsons?

The education system acts as a bridge between the family and wider society, transitioning young people from particularistic values to universalistic values.

According to Talcott Parsons, how do particularistic values differ from universalistic values?

Particularistic values are norms and behaviours unique to a particular person in a specific context (such as the home), whereas universalistic values are societal norms and values expected of members in wider society.

Why is the functionalist portrayal of socialisation by Durkheim and Parsons criticized as "rose-tinted"?

It assumes children are passive recipients or "sponges" soaking up norms, ignoring that students are active agents who question, resist, and sometimes form anti-school subcultures.

What institutional and structural issues challenge the functionalist assumption that schools are universally positive environments?

Issues such as bullying, exclusion, alienation, school refusers, institutional racism, and an ethnocentric curriculum that prioritizes the dominant culture's perspective.

Why is the functionalist assumption of a universal value consensus considered outdated in contemporary society?

Modern society is diverse, with varying family structures, career aspirations, and life choices, making the 1950s American film "cookie-cutter" image of conformity inaccurate.

What concept did economist Theodore Schultz introduce to explain the role of education in modern society?

Human capital, which posits that investing in education creates a productive, flexible, and skilled workforce that drives economic stability and growth while reducing social conflict.

What modern educational initiatives are grounded in Theodore Schultz's human capital theory?

Government initiatives promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education, as well as vocational education and apprenticeship schemes.

How do Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore define the function of role allocation in education?

Education acts as a mechanism for sorting individuals into the roles that best suit their talents and abilities, ensuring the most capable people fill the roles most essential to society.

What mechanism do functionalists Davis and Moore identify as central to sifting and sorting individuals in a meritocracy?

Examinations, qualifications, and academic assessments.

How do Marxist critics challenge Davis and Moore's idea of meritocracy?

They argue meritocracy is a myth, showing that social class, ethnicity, and private school networks provide middle- and upper-class individuals advantages regardless of academic achievement, as seen in Boris Johnson's trajectory from Eton to Prime Minister.

What core stance does the New Right take regarding the education system's fulfillment of functionalist goals?

The New Right agrees with functionalist goals (socialisation, human capital, and social cohesion) but argues the current system has failed and requires increased competition within and between schools.

What system did New Right theorists Chubb and Moe propose to promote parentocracy?

A voucher system where the government issues vouchers to all parents to fund their child's education at a chosen school, forcing schools to compete like businesses for students.

Which documentary is cited as an illustration of the negative consequences of intense educational competition advocated by the New Right?

Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal, which demonstrates high anxiety, fear of failure, and mental health issues among students under intense pressure.

What is a major contradiction identified in the New Right's approach to education policy?

They advocate for reduced government oversight while simultaneously proposing policies that require substantial government intervention, such as implementing voucher systems and enforcing competitive frameworks.