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How Education Shapes Society: Functionalist and Marxist Views for Kids

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J

Jessey๐Ÿ’•

25/09/2025

Sociology

The Role and Functions of Education

1,259

โ€ข

25 Sept 2025

โ€ข

2 pages

How Education Shapes Society: Functionalist and Marxist Views for Kids

J

Jessey๐Ÿ’•

@jessey_xo

The functionalist perspective on education's role in society emphasizes its... Show more

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The Role & Functions of Education - Revision
Functionalism:
- Parsons: "Education acts as a bridge between home and
work"
Schools are societ

Functionalist and New Right Perspectives on Education

The functionalist perspective views education as serving important positive functions for society:

  • Talcott Parsons saw schools as "bridges" between family and work, teaching universal standards
  • Emile Durkheim emphasized education's role in creating social solidarity and providing specialized skills
  • Davis and Moore viewed education as allocating roles based on merit

Definition: Functionalist perspective on education sees schools as performing necessary functions to maintain social order and prepare individuals for their future roles in society.

The New Right perspective advocated for market-based reforms in education:

  • Introduced marketization of schools and reduced power of local education authorities
  • Chubb and Moe argued for putting education "in the hands of consumers" through school choice

Example: New Labour policies in Britain included giving schools subject specialisms and expanding vocational education options.

Vocabulary: Marketisation of education refers to introducing market-like mechanisms such as school choice and competition for funding into public education systems.

Marxist and Feminist Perspectives on Education

The Marxist view on class inequality in the education system argues that:

  • Education reproduces class inequality in each generation
  • Schools transmit capitalist ideology and prepare students to accept exploitation
  • The "myth of meritocracy" fools working-class students into believing there is fair competition

Quote: Bowles and Gintis argue that "family background and social class signify achievement, but the working class are fooled into thinking there is open and fair competition."

Feminist perspectives examine gender issues in education:

  • Early socialization can lead to gendered subject choices
  • Vocational courses are often highly gendered (e.g. childcare vs. engineering)
  • Liberal feminists point to girls' improving performance as evidence of progress
  • Radical feminists argue gendered patterns persist in subject choices and achievement

Highlight: Both Marxist and feminist perspectives critique the functionalist view of education as meritocratic, pointing to persistent inequalities based on class and gender.

The Role & Functions of Education - Revision
Functionalism:
- Parsons: "Education acts as a bridge between home and
work"
Schools are societ

The Role and Functions of Education - Revision

This document provides an overview of different sociological perspectives on the role of education in society, focusing on functionalism, the New Right, Marxism, and feminism.

Key points:

  • Functionalist perspective on education's role in society sees education as serving positive functions like creating social solidarity and preparing students for work
  • The New Right view on education advocates for marketization and consumer choice in schooling
  • Marxist view on class inequality in the education system argues that education reproduces class inequality and prepares students to accept capitalist exploitation
  • Feminist perspectives examine how education can reinforce or challenge gender roles and inequalities

Highlight: The document contrasts functionalist views of education as meritocratic with Marxist critiques of education as reproducing inequality.



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App Store

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

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 didnโ€™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 Iโ€™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 ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

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 didnโ€™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 Iโ€™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 ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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

iOS user

ย 

Sociology

โ€ข

1,259

โ€ข

25 Sept 2025

โ€ข

2 pages

How Education Shapes Society: Functionalist and Marxist Views for Kids

J

Jessey๐Ÿ’•

@jessey_xo

The functionalist perspective on education's role in society emphasizes its positive functions for maintaining social order and preparing individuals for their future roles. This view contrasts with conflict theories like Marxism, which see education as reproducing inequality. Key functionalist ideas... Show more

The Role & Functions of Education - Revision
Functionalism:
- Parsons: "Education acts as a bridge between home and
work"
Schools are societ

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Functionalist and New Right Perspectives on Education

The functionalist perspective views education as serving important positive functions for society:

  • Talcott Parsons saw schools as "bridges" between family and work, teaching universal standards
  • Emile Durkheim emphasized education's role in creating social solidarity and providing specialized skills
  • Davis and Moore viewed education as allocating roles based on merit

Definition: Functionalist perspective on education sees schools as performing necessary functions to maintain social order and prepare individuals for their future roles in society.

The New Right perspective advocated for market-based reforms in education:

  • Introduced marketization of schools and reduced power of local education authorities
  • Chubb and Moe argued for putting education "in the hands of consumers" through school choice

Example: New Labour policies in Britain included giving schools subject specialisms and expanding vocational education options.

Vocabulary: Marketisation of education refers to introducing market-like mechanisms such as school choice and competition for funding into public education systems.

Marxist and Feminist Perspectives on Education

The Marxist view on class inequality in the education system argues that:

  • Education reproduces class inequality in each generation
  • Schools transmit capitalist ideology and prepare students to accept exploitation
  • The "myth of meritocracy" fools working-class students into believing there is fair competition

Quote: Bowles and Gintis argue that "family background and social class signify achievement, but the working class are fooled into thinking there is open and fair competition."

Feminist perspectives examine gender issues in education:

  • Early socialization can lead to gendered subject choices
  • Vocational courses are often highly gendered (e.g. childcare vs. engineering)
  • Liberal feminists point to girls' improving performance as evidence of progress
  • Radical feminists argue gendered patterns persist in subject choices and achievement

Highlight: Both Marxist and feminist perspectives critique the functionalist view of education as meritocratic, pointing to persistent inequalities based on class and gender.

The Role & Functions of Education - Revision
Functionalism:
- Parsons: "Education acts as a bridge between home and
work"
Schools are societ

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Role and Functions of Education - Revision

This document provides an overview of different sociological perspectives on the role of education in society, focusing on functionalism, the New Right, Marxism, and feminism.

Key points:

  • Functionalist perspective on education's role in society sees education as serving positive functions like creating social solidarity and preparing students for work
  • The New Right view on education advocates for marketization and consumer choice in schooling
  • Marxist view on class inequality in the education system argues that education reproduces class inequality and prepares students to accept capitalist exploitation
  • Feminist perspectives examine how education can reinforce or challenge gender roles and inequalities

Highlight: The document contrasts functionalist views of education as meritocratic with Marxist critiques of education as reproducing inequality.

We thought youโ€™d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ€“ all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: โœ“ 50+ Practice Questions โœ“ Interactive Flashcards โœ“ Full Mock Exam โœ“ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us โ€” and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

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 didnโ€™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 Iโ€™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 ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because itโ€™s too good

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 didnโ€™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 Iโ€™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 ๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜๐Ÿ˜ฒ๐Ÿค‘๐Ÿ’—โœจ๐ŸŽ€๐Ÿ˜ฎ

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

iOS user