Functionalism: Theories of Education

Which sociologists are Functionalists?

• Durkheim

• Parsons

• Davis & Moore

• Schultz

meritocracy

a system in which it is believed that an individual can be whatever they want and what they deserve as long as they work hard and show resilience

secondary socialisation

socialisation that occurs within the education system, taking over from primary socialisation, to bridge the gap between the family and society

Which Functionalist sociologist is associated with meritocracy & secondary socialisation?

Parsons

social solidarity

feeling a part of something bigger than yourself and feeling responsibilities to others (e.g., the feeling of belonging to a group)

specialist skills

the specialist knowledge and skills required to play a part in the social division of labour

Which Functionalist sociologist is associated with social solidarity & specialist skills?

Durkheim

human capital

any asset a human being might possess that could be of economic value

Which Functionalist sociologist is associated with human capital?

Schultz

hard skills

skills specific to a certain activity/job

soft skills

skills required in/applicable to multiple different activities/jobs

role allocation

choosing/assigning individuals’ roles based on their strengths rather than their opinions of the roles

Which Functionalist sociologists are associated with role allocation?

Davis & Moore

universalistic standards

the same standards by which all children and adults in society are judged according to

particularistic standards

values and rules which only apply to particular people in a given situation (e.g., in the home)

achieved status

status that is worked for and achieved through jobs and occupations (e.g., professional sports player)

ascribed status

status that is assigned at birth (e.g., royalty)