Evaluate The different Theoretical Arguments On The Role And Function Of Education

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Evaluate The different Theoretical Arguments On The Role And Function Of Education

I am going to look at the different roles and functions of education which is portrayed by functionalism, Marxists and the new right perspective evaluating them and there criticisms.

The functionalism perspective on education focus's on the positive aspects. From Durkheim we learn how he saw the function of education as socialisation, transmitting societies norms and values. He believes that without these the society would break down and lack social solidarity. Durkheim conveys to us how school is essential for society as it is a vital function to a smooth running society giving us social order. He also argues that it prepares pupils for later life and work by helping them co-operate with others and teach them modern day skills such as ict. By looking at Durkheims theory we learn how he believes in social control as without rules, discipline and punishment people will be unable to conform and provide social order in society. However we can criticize Durkheim as he fails to highlight how not everyone has social control as they disobey the rules and punishments given to them throughout life.

        Another functionalism perspective in which we take into consideration when evaluating the function of education is Parsons universalistic and particularistic values. Parson believes that after family education and school takes over the main socialisation which prepares the pupil for adult life. He argues that the child must be taken away from the particularistic values and ascribed family status to the universalistic standards and achieved status of society.  This is basically society moving away from a status based on who your family are to one when you are judged solely based on individual terms of your skills and abilities. Parson believes in a value consensus which is similar to  Durkheims socialisation theory. The value consensus has two major values which is the value of achievement and the value of equality of opportunity which is also known as meritocracy. Parsons theory helps us believe that the education system is fair and just and that we all have an equal chance.

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       Although we can criticize both Parson and Durkheims theory together as they both view schools as meritocratic institutions and also that the values in schools are those of wider society yet they ignore the diversities of cultures which exist and the home background of individuals.

       Two other functionalism theorists in which we look at is David and Moore and there role allocation theory. This is where they believe schools act as sieve which sorts out individuals in terms of their abilities. Yet the relationship between academic qualification and job success is not always apparent ...

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