The Functionalist Explanation of the Role of Education in...

The Functionalist Explanation of the Role of Education in Modern Society I will discuss the functionalists theories in comparison to those of the Marxist and Interactionists. Functionalists believe that all in society serves a purpose and its a positive function. They also believe that education is a way of achieving in society; it develops people so that it gives them the opportunities in society (workplace). Durkheim believed that in order for children to feel as though they belong in society and for society to work, the education system will enable people to belong to society for example the teaching of certain subjects (transmission of cultural capital) i.e. history, will allow children to†¦show more content†¦Also that school prepares pupils for their place in society through the correspondence theory. Karl Marx believed that there were only two classes the Bourgeoisies - ruling class and the Proletariat - working class. He argued that the education system is a way in which people become alienated into accepting capitalism and are unaware of their exploitation (False consciousness) Other Marxist, Bowles and Gintis believe that the teachers give the orders and the pupils obey. Also that education legitimates social inequality by broadcasting the myth that it offers all equal opportunities, where this is not the case at all. Vocational courses benefited the working class as it trained them and educated them with more skills so that they are able to earn a higher wage in the workplace. Just as the Functionalist view were criticised as are Bowles and Gintis for portraying children as some sort of animals. Teachers are seen as the agents and pipils as the victims. This proves that Marxist views differ to that of the Functionalists. Although there is a similarity as both Functionalists and Marxists link education and the workplace (both structures of macro theories) together and of the values of society, but socializes children into possessing false consciousness about the world. Interactionists deal with the issuesShow MoreRelatedUsing Material from Item a and Elsewhere Assess the Contribution of Functionalism to Our Understanding of the Role of Education.1422 Words   |  6 Pagescontribution of functionalism to our understanding of the role of education. Functionalism is based on the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus (agreement) amongst individuals as to what values or norms are important in society. Therefore they take a positive view of the education system. As item A suggests they see it as a form of secondary socialism essential to maintaining society i.e. the values and norms transmitted by social institutionsRead MoreDescribe the Functionalist (Emile Durkheim), Conflict (Marxist) and Interactionist approach to the Socialization of Education.877 Words   |  4 PagesDescribe the Functionalist, Conflict and Interactionist approach to the Socialization of Education. Education - A Functionalist Perspective Emile Durkheim proposed an explicitly functionalist explanation of the role of education in society. The major function/task of education was, according to Durkheim, the transmission of society s norms and values. Durkheim considered that all societies must have means of passing on their norms and values to the young. 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