1. Functionalism

2. Learning Objectives
To explain the main functionalist theories on education.
To evaluate the main functionalist theories on education.

3. Functionalism
What might the views of the Functionalists be on education?
Using the pictures from the Introduction to Functionalism handout, note down how these may link to the Functionalist view of education.

4. Durkheim
According to Durkheim, how does school contribute to the overall functioning of society?
In what way is school a microcosm of society? How does this benefit society?
What values does education pass on which prepares students for work?

5. Parsons How does education produce a value consensus?
How does education prepare an individual for wider society? In what ways does it do this?
How does the education system select individuals for their future work roles?

6. Davis and Moore How is education a means of role allocation?
Why is stratification not necessarily a bad thing?

7. Functionalism
What are the key similarities between Durkheim, Parsons and Davis and Moore?

8. Evaluation of Functionalism
In pairs note down the main problems with the Functionalist viewpoint of education.