Role of Education

According to Durkheim, what is the role of the education system?

• Teach advanced technical skills
• Socialise individuals and install societal values and norms

• Encourage rebellion against societal norms
• Promote individualism and independence

In what ways does the education system teach and transmit the norms and values of society?

(Pick three)

• Pledging allegiance to the flag

• History lessons that directly teach the past experiences and culture of a society

• Through teaching us the importance of multiculturalism through having multi-faith rooms.

• Introducing British Values

What's the functionalist key term that refers to the idea that the harder you work the more you achieve?

• equality
• communism
• meritocracy
• social cohesion

Who is the key functionalist thinker that says schools bridge the gap between ascribed status at home and achieved status in wider society where students learn the universalistic values?

• Marx

• Parsons

• Davis

• Durkheim

Which functionalist thinkers argue that a key function of the education system is role allocation?

• Durkheim & Parsons

• Davis & Moore

• Marx & Althusser

• Bowles & Gintis

What is meant by the term 'role allocation' regarding the education system?

• Assigning specific responsibilities, tasks, or positions to individuals based on their abilities, qualifications, or needs.
• Forcing individuals into roles they are not interested in
• Allowing individuals to choose their own roles without guidance
• Assigning random tasks to individuals without considering their abilities

For functionalists, why is role allocation an important function of the education system?

• Role allocation ensures equal opportunities for all students.
• Role allocation limits social mobility within society.
• Role allocation is irrelevant in the education system.
• Role allocation ensures individuals are placed in positions that best suit their abilities and ensures we have all roles in society filled.

Which of these are criticisms of the functionalist perspective of the role of education?

(Pick two)

• Students are not passive puppets, sometimes they reject the schools' norms and values.

• It addresses the impact of social inequalities on education

• It overlooks the role of teachers in shaping students' experiences
• It ignores negative aspects of schooling and promotes conformity over critical thinking.

What are the key beliefs of neoliberalism and the new right when it comes to the role of the education system?

• Market-driven education system with competition, choice, privatization, standardized testing, and reduced government involvement.
• Elimination of standardized testing in education
• Increased government involvement in education
• Centralized education system with no competition or choice

Describe one similarity and one difference between functionalists and the new right.