Critically Evaluate contrasting Theories on the Role, Purpose and Functionsof the Education System in Contemporary Society.

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Critically Evaluate contrasting Theories

on the Role, Purpose and Functions

of the Education System in Contemporary Society.

The complete system of education has always been under observation and scrutiny since it started out as elementary education. Concerned in this area are a number of sociological theorists who have formulated their own ideas into the role purpose and function the education system provide in society. These observations and ideas have resulted in three main theories, Functionalist theory, Interactionist theory and Marxist theory. Throughout this essay we will be evaluating the extent of which their key ideas reflect in the contemporary British education system.

Functionalist theory is mostly concerned with the different structures of society and how they function together. This theory concentrates on the three main functions of education as a whole this being the selection function, the economic function and the socialization function. The theorists also state these have functional relationships between education and the social system. Functionalists argue that education provides structure for society by transmitting idea of value consensus, homogeneity and social solidarity. This is supported by one of the key functionalist theorists Emile Durkheim (1900's). He suggests that our moral order acts as a central value system. The education system is shaped by the principles of this moral order. This system begins by examining the relationship between the structure of society and the function of the education system as a sub system of this society. Durkheim says:

"Society can survive only if there exists among its members a sufficient degree of homogeneity education perpetuates and reinforces this homogeneity by fixing in the child, from the beginning, the essential simulation that collective life demands"

Emile Durkheim(1956)

Meighan.R. And Siraj Bladtchford I (1997)

A Sociology of Educating (P. 244)

Continuum: London

Schools main objective is therefore transmitting the norms and values of society and this can be divided into three areas-

- Social solidarity

- Social rules

- Division of labour

This means that schools are transmitting general values necessary for homogeneity and specific skills, which ensure diversity for social co-operation. He argues that schools do this through the curriculum and the teacher. A topic can only find its way into the curriculum if it is part of the common collective culture. The teacher should encourage homogeneity through group work, allow children to realize their contribution towards societal goals and be able to survive in society. He say that the pupil is seen as a blank sheet ready to be filled and that their understanding of common social values should be taught with care and reasoning. Another functionalist theorist Talcott Parsons was influenced by Durkheim and most of his work is an extension of Durkheim's. Parsons agrees that socializing is achieved through the operation of an integrating system common to everyone in society. However he says that:
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"The main structure of personality is built up through social interactions"

Parson (1964)

Meighan R. and Siraj Blatchford. I (1997)

A sociology of educating ( P 248)

Continuum: London

He suggests that the church, the family and the education system act as agencies of socialization. He also suggests that society has certain specific roles that a person can fit into depending on their part in the social system. According to Parsons, education acts as a bridge between the family and society. The family is the primary agent for socialization, we are ...

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