UNIT 2 Education with Research Methods

Functionalist Perspective

The growth of state education

In the UK, free compulsory state school started in 1870.

• 1880- state school was made compulsory up to the age of 10 yrs old
• 1918- it was made compulsory up to the age of 14 yrs old
• 1972- made compulsory uo to the age of 16 yrs old
• 2005- more than 3/4 of all 16-18 yr olds were taking part in some form of education and training
• 2015- education and training would be compulsory up to age of 18 yrs old
• Almost 40% of school leavers now go on to study higher education

The Functionalist Perspective

• See society as an interrelated whole (connect)
• To function, every institution performs one or more important function, which helps society to run smoothly
• Like a body, for it to work, organs must work together
• Functionalist theory of education, looks at the postitive benefits and functions that education perform in society

Emile Durkheim (education and social solidarity)

• saw the main role of education as the transmission of norms and values of society
• education helps to unite all individuals in society, creating a sense of belonging= known as social solidarity
• teaching of history allows individuals to learn about their society and develop a sense of commitment to it
• saw schools as miniature societies- as they learn to interact with others and follow a fixed set of rules- provides preparation for later life when individuals have to get on…