ASSESS FUNCTIONALIST
EXPLANATIONS OF THE ROLE
OF EDUCATION IN SOCIETY (20)
INTRO
Functionalists are interested in
positive functions education
performs for society and the
economy. Survival of society is
dependent on education fulfilling its
roles; members of society need to
share the same norms and values
otherwise society will have conflict.
MAIN
Functionalists claim that
education system performs
three main roles, teaching
individuals the meritocratic
principles of society, linking
individuals to society and
allocating future roles.
Functionalist Parsons argues that the
meritocratic ideals of society are
transmitted through the promotion of
society’s norms and values. Through this
role, individuals learn universalistic values
which are necessary for society
Davis & Moore argue that education
performs role allocation. It successfully
allocation the right individuals to the right
jobs through examinations and a fair system.
This role is vital as a bridge between the
education system and the economy
Functionalists claim that education links
individuals to society; through the teaching of
history, politics, law and citizenship members
feel part of a larger social group; thus promoting
value consensus. They believe that schools serve
the needs of society rather than the individual
and in this way the education serves a socialising
role for society.
HOWEVER
Post-modernists argue that
Functionalism is a narrative which is
dated and relevant for modern society.
They argue that society is becoming
fragmented and individualistic with risk
behaviours as a consequence. Education
cannot have any roles to play to a
population of individualistic people in a
collective sense
Marxists take a polarised view to
Functionalism; they would argue that the
education system serves roles for Capitalism
in the interest of the Bourgeoisie. They agree
that education is a Microcosm of society but
is characterised by class conflict and
inequality so its role in society is a negative
one
New Right theorists like Chubb
& Moe disagree with
Functionalism over preparation
for work. They advocate
marketisation and argue that
more change is needed in
education if it is to serve a
purposeful economic role in
society.
CONCLUSION
It could be argued that Functionalism is dated,
exaggerates the extent of agreement over basic
values, concentrates on the positive role of
education, and underpins its theory on
meritocracy and role allocation which is
contested