Functionalism

Functionalists see everything in society as operating as a harmonious system. All social institutions have an important role to play in maintaing society and education is no exception.

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DURKHEIM

Social solidairty: A feeling of unity and belonging

Specialised skills: The skills needed for performing specific jobs and roles in the future

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PARSONS

Secondary socialisation: Learning the universal norms and values which are needed in the wider society

Role allocation: Sifting and sorting people into their correct roles based on their abilities and talents (Exams)

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Criticisms

Does education really create social solidarity or does it divide people?

Is education really meritocratic?

They are too deterministic and assume that people have little free will to choose their own futures

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