Assess The Contribution Of Functionalist Sociologists To Our Understanding Of The Role Of Education In Society

Sociology – role of the education system in society

Asses the contribution of functionalists sociologists to our understanding of the role of the education system in society.

Functionalist sociologists are structural theorists. They examine institutions, such as education, on how they contribute to a smooth running society. Functionalists base their work on two main themes, one being the education contributes to a smooth running society; this is evident in Emile Durkheim’s work.

Emile Durkheim emphasised positive aspects of education, for example the importance of subjects such as, History in teaching children about shared heritage, solidarity and promotion integration. In the USA the teaching of the history of the founding fathers has

They argue that that social inequality is necessary for functioning of society benefitting all classes. Through the method of social stratification, of which education plays a key function, in ‘sorting’ people into jobs that suit you. Many hierarchical organisations are use to provide key functions, for example large companies. The roles at the top of the ‘chain’, are the most important, therefor the most ‘talented’ people tend to take these roles, as a small mess-up can have large repercussions, for example a general making a wrong battle decision. Education helps to ‘filter out’ people, into the best job for them, within societies eyes.

Functionalists view institutions in all positive aspects and do not recognise the negative aspects, therefor there are many oppositions to some of their theories, for example Marxists, who believe in institutions create class inequality and everything is beneficial towards the upper class, have opposed views.

Bowles and Gintis wrote ‘schooling in capitalist America’, they talk about the correspondence principle, whereby the school mirrors the workplace, preparing children to fit easily into future exploitation. The norms and values that education teaches, which are highlighted by Durkheim, are used in order to create an appropriate work force, for example values of hard work, obedience and appropriate dress, are all essential aspect of good

Willis discovered through an internationalist sociologists approach, he found that children from working class backgrounds had an anti school sub culture and disregarding the hidden curriculum inputs and actively challenging teachers. This led them to leaving school at 16 and normally taking up a working class job. This links to the work of Illich, as he argues that schools are repressive institutions that are purposely designed for the failure of children. This fit the role of education for the economy, providing a labour force, therefor-attracting large investors from other countries.

Overall we see that there are different interpretations towards the roles of education systems within society. The essay examined how functionalists see education in a positive light and help us to understand the roles that education plays in society, towards the economy and providing the foundations of creating