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Learning About Education: Functionalist and Marxist Views

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Kaiya Nelson

07/11/2022

Sociology

The role and function of education

Learning About Education: Functionalist and Marxist Views

The functionalist perspective on education PDF outlines key sociological theories about education's role in society, contrasting functionalist and Marxist views. This summary explores socialisation, human capital, role allocation, and critiques of these perspectives, including the myth of meritocracy.

  • Functionalism views education as a system for societal integration and skill development
  • Marxist perspective critiques education as reproducing social inequality
  • Both theories face criticisms for oversimplification and neglecting individual agency
  • The concept of meritocracy in education is challenged by both perspectives
...

07/11/2022

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Sociology

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Learning About Education: Functionalist and Marxist Views

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Kaiya Nelson

@kaiiyavn

The functionalist perspective on education PDF outlines key sociological theories about education's role in society, contrasting functionalist and Marxist views. This summary explores socialisation, human capital, role allocation, and critiques of these perspectives, including the myth of meritocracy.

  • Functionalism views... Show more

Socialisation teaching norms and values of society.
Bridge effect- education building a bridge between
home and society.
Human capital - lea

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Functionalist and Marxist Perspectives on Education

This page presents a comprehensive overview of the functionalist view on education and the Marxist perspective on social inequality in education, highlighting their key concepts and critiques.

The functionalist perspective, rooted in the works of Durkheim and Parsons, sees education as fulfilling essential societal functions. It emphasizes four main aspects:

  1. Socialisation: Education teaches societal norms and values.
  2. Bridge effect: Schools bridge the gap between home and society.
  3. Human capital: Education develops skills beneficial for the workplace.
  4. Role allocation: The system prepares students for specific jobs.

Definition: Functionalist theory of education views schools as institutions that maintain social order and prepare individuals for their roles in society.

The Marxist perspective, on the other hand, critically examines education's role in perpetuating social inequality. Key concepts include:

  1. Reproduction of social inequality: Education deliberately engineers working-class failure to create an unqualified workforce.
  2. Legitimisation of social inequality: Middle-class students have more access to cultural and economic capital, giving them an advantage.
  3. Correspondence principle: Schools mirror the working world to prepare students for manual labor.

Example: The correspondence principle suggests that schools enforce obedience, discipline, and consequences to prepare students for the realities of the workplace.

Both perspectives face criticism. Functionalism is critiqued for ignoring dysfunctional aspects of education and viewing children as passive recipients of socialization. Marxism is challenged for potentially oversimplifying the relationship between education and social inequality.

Highlight: The concept of the "myth of meritocracy" is central to critiques of both perspectives, suggesting that the link between educational success and economic success is weaker than often assumed.

Quote: Wong states that "functionalists see children as passive puppets of socialisation when there is much more complex ideas in the process."

Vocabulary:

  • Particularistic values: Behaviors acceptable at home that differ between families.
  • Universalistic values: Behaviors accepted in wider society.

The page concludes by noting that some critics argue education reproduces diversity rather than inequality, highlighting the ongoing debate in educational sociology.

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Samantha Klich

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Anna

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Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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