sociology - education system.

functionalist perspective on the role of the education system-Durkheim

Durkheim believed that the main function of education was the transmission of societies norms and values to individuals.

Social solidarity

Social solidarity emphasizes the interdependence between individuals in a society, which allows individuals to feel that they can enhance the lives of others.

shared values

the two ways shared values are taught are by the hidden curriculum and teaching history

ethnocentric

one certain ethnicity being taught

Durkheim -

“school prepares us for a much bigger society and now we have to get on in society and the school system teaches you that”

criticisms of Durkheim-

-assumes one shared culture

-skills taught may not be useful

-only teaches dominant culture

-assumes students passively accept all values taught

-patriarchal culture is taught in schools

meritocracy-

your success is a result of hard work and ability rather than your background/characteristics

universalistic values

acts as a bridge between the universalistic (societal) and particularistic(family) standards

role allocation-

allocates appropriate roles to children as education is meritocratic

value consensus-

education passes on the universal value of achievement and equality of opportunity

Marxist view on the role of the education system-

Marxists say that the education system works as a hidden way to gain social control over the working class, causing dominant ideology, made by the middle class. They use social control to create passive workers, making them obedient

Bowles and Gintis

237 schools were studied, they concluded the key role of education is reproducing the workforce