ROLE OF EDUCATION
FUNCTIONALISTS
Functionalism is based upon the view that society is made by interdependent
structures that are held together because of value consensus or shared culture.
They believe that education is beneficial for society and the individual. They use the
organic analogy and according to them education is the brain of the society
DURKHEIM ON EDUCATION:
He is the founding father of functionalism and he believes that education. Has two
main functions:
1. SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
It helps create social solidarity by transmitting society's culture through the
generation.
Its basically a miniature society and teaches children the values and ways that are
needed to succeed. For instance in schools students have to cooperate with one
another, in the same way they have to do so as adults when they are working
2. SPECIALISED SKILLS
Education teaches children special skills and knowledge that are needed for them to
play their part appropriately in the social division of labour.
TALCOTT PARSONS:
He sees education as a bridge between family and wider society. He believes that
schools are preparing children for society as they are both based on meritocracy
principles ie: everyone is given equal opportunity and individuals achieve reward
through their own hard work and ability. Status is achieved and not ascribed.
NEO FUNCTIONALISTS
David and Moore agree with parsons but they see education as a device for selection
and role allocation, but they focus on the relationship between education and social
inequality
They say that inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles are
given to the people who most deserve it.
Not everyone has the same ability and talent hence some jobs need to have some
rewards for them.
This will encourage everyone to compete for them and for the society to choose who
are best suited
Education sorts and shifts us according to our ability and hence the most able people
go to the best institutions, gain the best education and fill the top positions.
CRITICISM
Equal opportunities do not exist
The Marxist argue that education in a capitalist society only transmits the idea of the
minortity ruling class and ignores the working class
Wrong claims that functionalists are wrong to imply that students passively accept
all that is taught
New right argue that state fails to prepare children adequately for life ahead
FUNCTIONALISTS
Functionalism is based upon the view that society is made by interdependent
structures that are held together because of value consensus or shared culture.
They believe that education is beneficial for society and the individual. They use the
organic analogy and according to them education is the brain of the society
DURKHEIM ON EDUCATION:
He is the founding father of functionalism and he believes that education. Has two
main functions:
1. SOCIAL SOLIDARITY
It helps create social solidarity by transmitting society's culture through the
generation.
Its basically a miniature society and teaches children the values and ways that are
needed to succeed. For instance in schools students have to cooperate with one
another, in the same way they have to do so as adults when they are working
2. SPECIALISED SKILLS
Education teaches children special skills and knowledge that are needed for them to
play their part appropriately in the social division of labour.
TALCOTT PARSONS:
He sees education as a bridge between family and wider society. He believes that
schools are preparing children for society as they are both based on meritocracy
principles ie: everyone is given equal opportunity and individuals achieve reward
through their own hard work and ability. Status is achieved and not ascribed.
NEO FUNCTIONALISTS
David and Moore agree with parsons but they see education as a device for selection
and role allocation, but they focus on the relationship between education and social
inequality
They say that inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles are
given to the people who most deserve it.
Not everyone has the same ability and talent hence some jobs need to have some
rewards for them.
This will encourage everyone to compete for them and for the society to choose who
are best suited
Education sorts and shifts us according to our ability and hence the most able people
go to the best institutions, gain the best education and fill the top positions.
CRITICISM
Equal opportunities do not exist
The Marxist argue that education in a capitalist society only transmits the idea of the
minortity ruling class and ignores the working class
Wrong claims that functionalists are wrong to imply that students passively accept
all that is taught
New right argue that state fails to prepare children adequately for life ahead
