The Role of Education in Modern Society

The Role of Education in Modern Society

Functionalism is based on the notion of social consensus. They see

society as consisting of distinguishable parts. All these parts have a

clear role, which is to fulfil functions, which keeps the society

whole and orderly. As applied to education, functionalists view the

education system as fulfilling the important function of

socialisation. E.g. the curriculum taught at school should reflect the

common culture to ensure that pupils, who are all members of society,

will act out their particular roles in society’s interests. According

to the functionalist, education also transmits society’s norms and

values, which promotes value consensus. Not only do functionalists see

the various parts of society fulfilling functions they also see them

working together. In the case of educational system, it’s often seen

working together with the economical system as schools develop the

skills required for the world of work.

Naturally, functionalist have been criticised for their optimistic

nature. Functionalists have been criticised for tending to assume the

educational system is a meritocracy where pupils have an equal chance.

However, evidence indicates that that isn’t true. E.g. working class

and ethnic minority still underachieve. Also the educational system

confirms pupils in their social positions rather than provide

opportunities for achievement. E.g. middle class people get middle

class jobs.

One functionalist that is transmitting this view is Durkheim. Durkheim

saw the main function of education as transmitting society’s norms and

values. It’s vital for all societies to create social solidarity...

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compete these positions and only the talented will win through.

Davis and Moore have been criticised for assuming that those who

graduate from school will end up with the top jobs. Income is only

weakly linked to educational attainment-you don’t always get what jobs

you want. Also evidence suggests that social class prevents the

education system from efficiently grading individuals in terms of

ability.

To conclude this essay, the functionalists have identified education

as a crucial part of the socialisation process as it transmits and

re-inforces society’s norms and values, prepares children for adult

roles and selects young people in terms of their abilities for crucial

roles. However, their views have been criticised for various reasons

mainly for being to optimistic in how the educational system operates.