Functionalism

Question	Answer
Key Ideas	- mainly interested in the positive functions ed performs for society & economy -for society to survive it needs social solidarity (same norms, beliefs & aims) -important in the role of teaching individuals norms of society - allocates individuals into work roles that match their abilities
Durkheim	-linking individuals and society (feel they are members of a larger group) -learning social rules (school = miniature version of society) -specialist work skills
Parsons	-learning "universalistic values" (no allowances made for behaviour - particularistic values) -learning the fundamental values of society -allocating pupils into future work and social roles
Criticisms	-relationship between society and individuals is a one way process with schools educating people in the interests of society. Interactionists show not as simple as individual pupils & teachers negotiate meanings. -assumes agreement over basic values. Others suggest different social groups have different values (marxist = transmits ruling class values) -doubtful that schools teach work skills as some school subjects have little real world value
Further criticisms	-assumption the ed system is meritocratic, persisting class inequalities indicate this is not the case -educationalists argue that it should allow pupils to develop their individual abilities via progressive (not instructional) teaching

Resource summary

	Created by lh1349688195 about 10 years ago