Functionalist Perspective

Functionalist Perspective

1. EMILE DURKHEIM

   • focus on the positives of education
   • Social Solidarity
     • where everyone feels part of a society

2. Meritocracy

   • Functionalists believe that it exists
     • people work up to their status
     • charitable acts are redeemed
     • pupils are rewarded at school with good grades
   • Ascribed status: born into e.g. royal family
   • Achieved status: status achieved in society e.g. doctor/lawyer

3. PARSONS

   • developed Durkheim's ideas
   • purpose of school to establish universal values
     • Particularistic values
       • language spoken: more words are acceptable
       • Behaviour: stick up for yourself
       • Table manners: limited, legs up and no cutlery
       • Clothing: PJs in the afternoon, going out in onsies
     • universal values
       • Language spoken: racist/homophobic language is unacceptable
       • Behaviour: tell a teacher and report violence
       • Table manners: eating with cutlery and at a table
       • Clothing: acceptable (socially) clothing
       • Value concensus
         • shared or agreed values in society e.g. to respect other cultures

4. DAVIS AND MOORE

   • Education shifts and sorts children
   • Children at school are allocated a role in society at school
     • e.g. working class children are taught boredom