Education P3 Perspectives

What do functionalists believe about education?

Functionalists believe that education helps maintain social order and prepares individuals for their roles in later life.

How does Durkheim view the role of education in society?

Durkheim believes education promotes social solidarity by instilling shared norms and values through subjects like History and Music.

Why is education important in industrialized societies according to functionalists?

Education teaches specialist skills that parents may not be able to provide, ensuring children are prepared for various career paths.

What does Parsons argue about the function of schools?

Parsons argues that education acts as a bridge between the family and wider society, transitioning individuals from particularistic to universalistic standards.

What is the concept of role allocation in education according to Davis and Moore?

Role allocation sorts people based on ability, ensuring that the most talented individuals occupy the most important societal roles.

What does Althusser claim is the role of education in capitalist society?

Althusser claims that education persuades young people to accept their roles in capitalist society.

What are the two types of state apparatuses identified by Althusser?

1. Ideological state apparatus - controls beliefs. 2. Repressive state apparatus - controls people physically.

How does education reproduce social inequality according to Marxists?

Education reproduces social inequality by legitimising ruling class ideology.

What do Bowles and Gintis argue about the education system?

Bowles and Gintis argue that the education system mirrors workplace hierarchies through the social correspondence principle.

What is the New Right perspective on education?

The New Right argues that education should promote meritocracy, competition, and shared values, advocating for marketisation of education.

What do Chubb and Moore say about state-run education?

Chubb and Moore argue that state-run education fails to create equal opportunities and does not meet the needs of disadvantaged students.

How do pupils from lower income backgrounds perform in private schools compared to public schools?

Pupils from lower income families do 5% better in private schools than in public schools.

What do New Right theorists say about government spending on education?

New Right theorists argue that much government spending is wasteful and should be reduced or made more directly beneficial to students.

What do New Right theorists believe about vocational education?

They argue that the government puts too much emphasis on general education, which often has little relevance to the workforce, and that more emphasis should be placed on vocational education.

What is the significance of 'meritocracy' in the context of education?

Meritocracy is the idea that individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and talents; however, some theories suggest it is a myth.

What is one criticism of state education according to New Right theorists?

New Right theorists criticize that state education is insufficient and does not foster competition and accountability.

What do functionalists argue about the impact of education on social roles?

Functionalists argue that education prepares individuals for their later social roles and contributes to social stability.

How does education function as a socializing agent according to functionalists?

Education serves to instill shared values and norms, contributing to social cohesion.

What is the 'social correspondence principle' mentioned by Bowles and Gintis?

The social correspondence principle refers to the way the education system reflects and reproduces the hierarchies found in the workplace.

Why do New Right theorists advocate for competition in education?

They believe that competition drives up quality and empowers consumers to make choices about their education.