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Functionalism & Education - Coggle Diagram
Functionalism & Education
THE BRIDGE THEORY: Parsons argued that after primary socialisation within the family the school takes over as the focal socialising agency- school acts like a bridge between family & society, it prepares children for their adult roles in society
4 POSITIVES OF EDUCATION
Creating social solidarity (a sense of community) Eg friend group, sports day
teaching skills necessary for work (punctuality, attendance, social interactions) Durkheim noted that an advanced industrial economy required a massive and complex division of labour. He said that school is a MICROCOSM
teaching us core values (tolerating, respect, hard work) Link to Parson's bridge theory. The family has particularistic standards (you're judged by your immediate family in the home) and work, education and law you have universalistic standards (Everyone is now judged in the same way by the same standards)
role allocation (setting & streaming, shifting & sorting, the challenged go into the appropriate path) and meritocracy (you're rewarded for hard work) Davis & Moore believe that we live in a meritocratic society
Meritocracy- justice requires that the best qualified applicant for a job should be hired. All children are brought to the same starting line through measures like estate taxes & public education.
EVALUATION
STRENGTHS
school performs positive functions for most pupils
Role allocation- people with degrees earn 85% more than those without
Schoos do try to foster 'solidarity'- PSHE
Parsons view of particularistic standards & universalistic standards seems accurate- society & school does judge them
A useful macro theory of education
WEAKNESSES (AO3)
Parsons bridge theory: Marxism would say it teaches us capitalist norms & values & how to obey
Meritocracy fails to acknowledge class division
Marxism- argue that education is not meritocratic- private schools benefit the wealthy
Functionalism ignore negative side of school (bullying)
Postmodernists- argue that teaching to the test kills creativity
Functionalism reflects the views of the powerful- education system tends to work for them & they suggest there's nothing to criticise