1. AS Level Sociology: Education: Functionalism (Booster Reading)
FUNCTIONALISM (BOOSTER READING)
INTRODUCTION
! As a structural perspective, functionalism examines the way that society operates as a system, shaping and
determining the individual to ensure its survival. As a consensus perspective, functionalism sees the operation
of society - and the institutions within it - as universally positive, benefiting every citizen.
! In analysing any institution, advocates of this perspective examine two key questions. Firstly, they examine the
functions of an institution - how it contributes to the smooth running of society. Secondly, they explore its
functional relationships - the links the institution has with other social instititutions.
! Education has broad socialisation and economic functions, and has key links with the family and workplace.
SOCIALISATION FUNCTION
! One of the key functions of education is that of secondary socialisation. Durkheim argues that education
continues the job of the family in ensuring that all members of society have a shared system of norms of values,
thus preventing social breakdown and Anomie.
! This argument is developed by Parsons, for whom education ensures the functional prerequisite of pattern
maintainence. A Functional Prerequisite is a condition which must be met if society is to continue to exist (in the
same way that an animal needs certain things - like food - to survive). Pattern Maintainence refers to the need
for society to pass on its way of life (or culture).
! In addition, Durkheim argues that education also ensures that individuals are integrated into society - feeling
that they belong to a group which is bigger than themselves. He focuses on the role of History in doing this, as
it demonstrates the way in which individuals are linked to the development of society.
! The final important socialisation role performed by education is bridging the gap between the types of
interaction and behaviour in the family and that found in the wider society. Once again, this argument was first
given by Durkheim; who distinguished between affective and instrumental relationships. In the family,
relationships are based on love and affection (hence affective relationships) - however, when an individual leaves
this family unit, they must work with instrumental relationships (everyone must cooperate as they each do
specialised jobs and are thus dependent on each other). Education allows children to practice interacting in these
kinds of relationship.
! Parsons further develops this argument, highlighting that education bridges the gap between particularistic and
universalistic standards (children treated as “special” in the family, but judged according to general standards
in wider society) and between ascribed and achieved statuses.
ECONOMIC FUNCTION
! The second general function of education is an economic one - ensuring that the economy is supplied with the
workforce needed to operate effeciently. Durkheim argues that part of this process is through the transmission
of particular values (such as hard work, punctuality, obedience and respect for hierarchy) and vocational skills
(such as ICT, literacy, numeracy - or job specific skills).
! Durkheim also argues that education is dynamic, responding to changes in economic need. For instance,
during industrialisation - when a more specialised workforce was needed - a formal education sector evolved to
provide these skilled workers (see also Avis).
! Understanding of this function is further developed by Parsons, who argues that education organises human
capital - identifying skills and aptitudes and directing people into the most appropriate jobs.
! This is further developed by Davis and Moore, who argue that - through education - people are assigned to their
position in the stratification system. Education operates as a neutral sorting and sifting device which directs
people into appropriate jobs. Those with more functional importance require more qualifications and confer a
higher place in the stratification system.
REMEMBER: TO DO WELL IN YOUR ESSAYS, YOU WILL NEED TO ADD TO THIS INFORMATION - MOST
IMPORTANTLY, YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO EVALUATE IT; COMPARING AND CONTRASTING
FUNCTIONALISM WITH MARXISM AND INTERACTIONISM
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