Y12 Functionalist View Education

What are sociologists interested in when studying the role of education in society?

• The history of education

• The role of technology in education

• How education serves the needs of the economy

• The architecture of educational institutions

According to Durkheim, what is necessary for social life and cooperation to be possible?

• Economic stability

• Social solidarity

• Political freedom

• Technological advancement

What does Durkheim argue is taught through the education system to instill a sense of shared heritage and commitment to the wider social group?

• Mathematics

• History

• Science

• Physical Education

What does the functionalist perspective focus on when studying education?

• The economic impact of education

• The role of education in maintaining social order

• The political influence of education

• The technological advancements in education

What type of standards does the family judge a child by, according to Parsons?

• Universalistic standards

• Particularistic standards

• Impersonal standards

• Meritocratic standards

In a meritocracy, how is a person's status primarily determined?

• By birth

• By family connections

• By their own effort and ability

• By societal norms

What is the relationship between education and social inequality, according to Davis and Moore?

• Education eliminates social inequality

• Education has no impact on social inequality

• Education acts as a device for selection and role allocation, which relates to social inequality

• Education increases social inequality

What does Dennis Wrong (1961) argue about functionalists' view of people?

• They have an 'under-socialised' view of people

• They have an 'over-socialised' view of people

• They see people as active participants

• They see people as independent thinkers

What is one reason schools might not welcome research that undermines their image of offering equal opportunities?

• It contradicts their meritocratic image

• It supports their meritocratic image

• It reveals the success of their policies

• It shows improvement in student outcomes

What do neoliberals believe about the value of education?

• It lies in how well it enables the country to compete in the global marketplace.

• It lies in how well it promotes social equality.

• It lies in how well it preserves cultural heritage.

• It lies in how well it supports state-run businesses.