So far…..

Functionalism & EducationEDUCATION HAS 3 MAIN FUNCTIONS THAT HELP SOCIETY.

1. Teaches skills needed for work.

2. Sifts and sorts (the allocation function).

3. Passes on core values (secondary agent of socialisation).

Education – A Functionalist Perspective

Functionalists argue that education has 3 broad functions:

1. Socialisation – Education helps to maintain society by socialising young people into key cultural values, such as achievement, individualism, competition and equality of opportunity.

2. Skills provision – Education teaches the skills required by modern industrial society, from general skills such as literacy and numeracy, to the skills needed for particular occupations.

3. Role allocation – Education allocates people into the most appropriate job for their talents, using examinations and qualifications. Equality of opportunity – everyone has the chance to achieve success in society.

Education – A Functionalist Perspective

Emile Durkheim, who is often regarded as the founder of functionalist thought, viewed education as a vehicle by which norms and values are passed on. Therefore, education has the effect of integrating individuals into society – thus encouraging social order through a values consensus.

Education – A Functionalist Perspective

Talcott Parsons developed Durkheim’s functionalist ideas. He describes school in the context of it being a bridge between the family and adult roles within society. Schools transmit the universal value of achievement. It does this because it is meritocratic – the ‘best’ students rise to the top. Parsons agrees with Durkheim in that education helps people agree about norms and values.

Functionalism & Education

Is education really meritocratic?

Think about patterns of differential achievement in terms of class, ethnicity and gender….

Functionalism & Education

Does education really prepare people for work?

Think about the skills shortages in society – e.g. engineering…