Functionalist Theory of Education Show
Functionalism is a social theory that has been applied to education. Within the functionalist paradigm, society is understood as stable and the components of society in balance with one another. At the core of functionalism are two ideas. First, it is possible to study the social world through scientific methods used in the sciences. A functionalist would expect that objective examination of social phenomena would yield an understanding of the laws of social behavior. The second core belief of functionalism is that society is comprised of interrelated parts that can be understood in terms of the function they serve in the total system. This concept is closely related to the biological understanding of how organisms survive. Each organ serves a vital purpose in the ... locked icon Sign in to access this contentSign in Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL
sign up today! Name:Class:Date:Chap 13_SOC5e50. _____ refers to the ways people demonstrate their religious beliefs. Get answer to your question and much more 51. Which of the following is a criticism of the functionalist perspective on education? Get answer to your question and much more 52. According to functionalists, which of the following is a latent function of education?
Get answer to your question and much more 53. Travis is a high school graduate. When he applied for a job at a fast food restaurant, the employers at the restaurantrejected his application because they were hiring only college graduates for the current vacancy. This scenario illustratesthe process of _____.a. streamingb. grade inflationc. credential inflationd. trackinge. secularization 54. _____, a popular term for the religiously unaffiliated, include Asians, young people, males, political independents,those living in the Pacific and New England regions, college graduates, and people in higher-income brackets. Get answer to your question and much more SOC5, 5thE Test BankPage 9 Select your languageSuggested languages for you: Functionalist Theory of Education If you've come across functionalism before, you know the theory focuses on the positive functions social institutions like the family (or even crime) play in society. So, what do functionalists think about education? In this explanation, we will study the functionalist theory of education in detail.
The functionalist theory of education: definitionBefore we see what functionalism thinks of education, let's remind ourselves what functionalism is as a theory. Functionalism argues that society is like a biological organism with interconnected parts held together by a 'value consensus'. The individual is not more important than the society or the organism; each part performs a vital role, a function, in maintaining balance and social equilibrium for the continuity of society. Functionalists argue thateducation is an important social institutionthat helps meet the needs of society and maintain stability. We are all part of the same organism, and education performs the function of creating a sense of identity by teaching core values and allocating roles. The functionalist theory of education: key ideas and examplesNow that we are familiar with the definition of functionalism and the functionalist theory of education, let's study some of its core ideas. Education and value consensusFunctionalists believe that every prosperous and advanced society is based on a value consensus - a shared set of norms and values everyone agrees on and is expected to commit to and enforce. For functionalists, society is more important than the individual. Consensus values help establish a common identity and build unity, cooperation, and goals through moral education. Functionalists examine social institutions in terms of the positive role they play in society as a whole. They believe education serves two main functions, which they call 'manifest' and 'latent'. Manifest functionsManifest functions are intended functions of policies, processes, social patterns, and actions. They are deliberately designed and stated. Manifest functions are what institutions are expected to provide and fulfil. Examples of the manifest functions of education are:
Latent functionsLatent functions are policies, processes, social patterns, and actions that schools and educational institutions put in place that are not always obvious. Because of this, they might result in unintended but not always unanticipated consequences. Some latent functions of education are as follows:
Fig. 1 - Functionalists argue that education serves a number of positive functions in society. Key functionalist theoristsLet us look at a few names you will encounter in this field. Émile DurkheimFor French sociologist Émile Durkheim (1858-1917), school was a 'society in miniature', and education provided children with necessary secondary socialisation. Education serves the needs of society by helping pupils develop specialist skills and creating 'social solidarity'. Society is a source of morality, and so is education. Durkheim described morality as consisting of three elements: discipline, attachment, and autonomy. Education aids in fostering these elements. Social solidarityDurkheim argued that society can only function and survive... ... if there exists amongst its members a sufficient degree of homogeneity".1 By this, he referred to cohesion, uniformity, and agreement between individuals in society to ensure order and stability. Individuals must feel themselves to be part of a single organism; without this, society would collapse. Durkheim believed that pre-industrial societies had mechanical solidarity. Cohesion and integration came from people feeling and being connected through cultural ties, religion, work, educational achievements, and lifestyles. Industrial societies progress towards organic solidarity, which is cohesion based on people being dependent on each other and having similar values.
Specialist skillsSchool prepares pupils for life in wider society. Durkheim believed society requires a level of role differentiation because modern societies have complex divisions of labour. Industrial societies are based mainly on the interdependence of specialised skills and need workers who are able to carry out their roles.
Evaluating Durkheim
Talcott ParsonsTalcott Parsons (1902-1979) was an American sociologist. Parsons built on Durkheim's ideas, arguing that schools were agents of secondary socialisation. He thought it was essential for children to learn societal norms and values, so they could function. Parson's theory considers education a 'focal socialising agency', which acts as a bridge between the family and wider society, detaching children from their primary caregivers and family and training them to accept and successfully fit into their social roles. According to Parsons, schools uphold universalistic standards, meaning they are objective - they judge and hold all pupils to the same standards. The judgments of educational institutions and teachers about pupils' abilities and talents are always fair, as opposed to the views of their parents and carers, which are always subjective. Parson referred to this as particularistic standards, where children are judged based on the criteria of their particular families. Particularistic standardsChildren are not judged by standards that can be applied to everyone in society. These standards are only applied within the family, where children are judged based on subjective factors, in turn, based on what the family values. Here, status is ascribed. Ascribed statuses are social and cultural positions that are inherited and fixed at birth and unlikely to change.
Universalistic standardsUniversalistic standards mean that everyone is judged by the same standards, regardless of family ties, class, race, ethnicity, gender or sexuality. Here, status is achieved. Achieved statuses are social and cultural positions that are earned based on skills, merit and talent, for instance:
Parsons argued that both the education system and society are based on 'meritocratic' principles. Meritocracy is a system which expresses the idea that people should be rewarded based on their efforts and abilities. The 'meritocratic principle' teaches pupils the value of equality of opportunity and encourages them to be self-motivated. Pupils gain recognition and status through their efforts and actions only. By testing them and evaluating their abilities and talents, schools match them to suitable jobs, while encouraging competition. Those who do not do well academically will understand that their failure is their own doing because the system is fair and just. Evaluating Parsons
Fig. 2 - Theorists such as Parsons believed that education is meritocratic. Kingsley Davis and Wilbert MooreDavis and Moore (1945) added to both Durkheim's and Parsons' work. They developed a functionalist theory of social stratification, which views social inequalities as necessary for functional modern societies because it motivates people to work harder. Davis and Moore believe meritocracy works because of competition. The most talented and qualified pupils are selected for the best roles. This does not necessarily mean they achieved their position because of their status; it is because they were the most determined and qualified. For Davis and Moore:
Social mobility is the ability to change one's social position by being educated in a resource-rich environment, regardless of whether you come from a wealthy or deprived background. Evaluating Davis and Moore
The functionalist theory of education: strengths and weaknessesWe have evaluated the key theorists who espouse the functionalist perspective of education above in detail. Let's now look at the general strengths and weaknesses of the functionalist theory of education overall. Strengths of the functionalist view on education
Criticisms of the functionalist view on education
Fig. 3 - A criticism of meritocracy Functionalist Theory of Education - Key takeaways
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Functionalist Theory of EducationFunctionalists believe education is an important social institution that helps to keep society together by establishing shared norms and values that prioritise cooperation, social solidarity, and the acquisition of specialist workplace skills. Functionalism was developed by sociologist Talcott Parsons. Functionalism argues that society is like a biological organism with interconnected parts held together by a 'value consensus'. The individual is not more important than the society or the organism; each part performs a vital role, a function, in maintaining balance and social equilibrium for the continuity of society. Functionalists argue that education is an important social institution that helps meet the needs of society and maintain stability. We are all part of the same organism, and education performs the function of creating a sense of identity by teaching core values and allocating roles. An example of a functionalist view is that schools are necessary because they socialise children to perform their societal responsibilities as adults. Four examples of the functions of education according to functionalists are:
Final Functionalist Theory of Education Quiz
Question What are the manifest functions of education? Show answer Answer Change and innovation, socialisation, social control, the transmission of culture, and role allocation are all manifest functions of education. Show question
Question Name some examples of the latent functions of education. Show answer Answer
Show question
Question Finish the sentence: Latent functions are policies, processes, social patterns, and actions that schools and educational institutions put in place that are not always obvious. Because of this, they might result in.... Show answer Answer
Unintended but not always unanticipated consequences. Show question
Question Why is education considered an agent of social control? Show answer Answer Schools and other educational institutions are given the responsibility of teaching obedience, perseverance, punctuality, and discipline, so pupils become compliant members of society. Show question
Question What is an example of social solidarity? Show answer
Question Fill in the blanks: Postmodernists also believe the Durkheimian theory is ____. Durkheim wrote that when there was a 'Fordist' economy, ____ skills were needed to sustain economic growth. Today's society is a lot more advanced, and the economy needs workers with ____ skills. Show answer Answer Outdated, specialist, flexible. Show question
Question Give one example of particularistic standards. Show answer Answer Parents donating money to universities to guarantee their child’s place is an example of particularistic standards. Show question
Question Why do Davis and Moore argue that inequality is necessary? Show answer Answer Davis and Moore suggest that inequalities motivate people to work harder, and therefore to improve. Show question
Question What is one criticism of meritocracy? Show answer Answer Some sociologists call meritocracy a myth because it blames marginalised people for systematic failures and discrimination. Show question
Answer Value consensus is a shared set of norms and values which people agree on and commit to. Show question
Question In what ways is education the main agent of secondary socialisation? Show answer Answer Education teaches pupils how to behave, function, and navigate society. Pupils are taught age-appropriate topics and build their knowledge as they go through education. They learn and develop an understanding of their own identities and opinions and society's rules and norms, which is influenced by a value consensus. Show question
Answer Schools and other educational institutions are responsible for preparing people and sorting them for their future roles in society. Education allocates people to appropriate jobs based on how well they do academically and their talents. They are responsible for identifying the most qualified people for the top positions in society. This is also referred to as 'social placement'. Show question
Question Who came up with the idea of "mechanical solidarity"? Show answer
Question David Hargreaves argues that the education system encourages individualism. Show answer
Question According to Talcott Parsons, meritocracy in education is a myth. Show answer Discover the right content for your subjectsNo need to cheat if you have everything you need to succeed! Packed into one app!Study PlanBe perfectly prepared on time with an individual plan. QuizzesTest your knowledge with gamified quizzes. FlashcardsCreate and find flashcards in record time. NotesCreate beautiful notes faster than ever before. Study SetsHave all your study materials in one place. DocumentsUpload unlimited documents and save them online. Study AnalyticsIdentify your study strength and weaknesses. Weekly GoalsSet individual study goals and earn points reaching them. Smart RemindersStop procrastinating with our study reminders. RewardsEarn points, unlock badges and level up while studying. Magic MarkerCreate flashcards in notes completely automatically. Smart FormattingCreate the most beautiful study materials using our templates. Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free. What is a criticism of the functionalist perspective on education?Critics of Functionalism state that as a theory it assumes education is fair and that it rewards the best and ignores social inequalities that may restrict attainment. Marxism believes that education teaches the values and norms of the bourgeoisie.
What are the criticisms of the functionalist perspective?Functionalism has been criticized for its failure to account for social change and individual agency; some consider it conservatively biased. Functionalism has been criticized for attributing human-like needs to society. Emile Durkheim 's work is considered the foundation of functionalist theory in sociology.
Which of the following is a criticism of functionalist theory?A key criticism of functionalist theory is that it does not take into account what happens when a society changes. If there is always a state of equilibrium, then social change is not possible. Critics also point out that functionalist theory supports the status quo, seeing conflict and challenge as harmful to society.
What is functionalist perspective on education?Functionalists argue that education is an important social institution that helps meet the needs of society and maintain stability. We are all part of the same organism, and education performs the function of creating a sense of identity by teaching core values and allocating roles.
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