1. Theories (Functions) of Education
Just like when you studied the family, sociologists are interested in the purpose of various institutions – this also includes education. Education is clearly an important part of our lives. It is estimated that, by the time we are 16 years-old, we will have spent around 15,000 hours in education. One of the key questions that sociologists ask themselves therefore is: ‘What is the purpose of Education?’
By the end of this topic you should;
> Know the functions of education that Functionalists identify.
> Understand the New Right view of the role of the market in education.
> Be able to evaluate the Functionalist & New Right views of education.
> Be able to evaluate explanations of vocational education & training.

2. Functionalist Theory of Education:
The over-riding purpose of the education system is to reproduce VC, CC & SS by functioning to meet FOUR of societies FP’s.
Recap the basics of Functionalist Theory making reference to the following concepts:
> Organic Analogy
> Value Consensus
> Collective Conscience
> Social Solidarity
> Functional Prerequisites
The main Functionalist thinkers here are:
Davis & Moore (1945)
Parsons (1961)

3. How could these arguments be evaluated?
1) Education Passes on Society’s Culture:
Why is this a basic need of society?
Education meets this prerequisite by passing on society’s key/ core values, norms and culture to each new generation. This is done through both the ‘Formal Curriculum’ and the ‘Hidden Curriculum’.
Education teaches everyone the same Norms & Values so that Value Consensus & Collective Conscience can be passed on every generation. This ensures that Social Solidarity is achieved.
What sorts of Norms & values are taught within school?
2) Providing Society with a Trained & Qualified Workforce:
Why is this a basic need of society?
Education provides individuals with the necessary skills, qualifications and talents to fill the ‘Division of Labour’. This is why the Curriculum is so fragmented.
How could these arguments be evaluated?

4. 3) Education Bridges the Gap between the Home & Wider Society
Why is this a basic need of society?
Parsons (1961):
The School is a Society in Miniature which helps to teach & prepare people for the demands & expectations of wider society.
Dangerous & Dysfunctional
Wider Society:
> Universalistic Values
> Achieved Status (Meritocratic)
The Home:
> Particularistic Values
> Ascribed Status
Education:
> Gradually introduces people to a new way of living (new attitudes, new expectations)

5. How could these arguments be evaluated?
4) Role Allocation & Legitimisation of Inequality:
Education acts as a sieve which ‘sorts’ people into roles/positions in society i.e. they are allocated roles.
Davis & Moore (1945)
Some people make it further than others i.e. they are able to gain higher status positions in society whilst others remain in low status positions. Inequality is therefore inevitable.
Why is Role Allocation a basic need of society?
High Status
High Life Chances
Low Status
Low Life Chances
This is fair because Meritocracy makes it Fair
Although this seems unfair, Davis & Moore argue that is absolutely fair because society & education are based on Meritocratic ideals & therefore you get out what you put in.
Why is a basic need of society to ensure that Meritocracy is reinforced?
How could these arguments be evaluated?