Database results:
examBoard: Cambridge
examType: IGCSE
lessonTitle: Functionalist view - meritocracy and social mobility
Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives in sociology that views society as a complex system of interconnected parts working together to maintain stability. When functionalists look at education, they focus on how schools and the education system contribute positively to the smooth running of society.
Key Definitions:
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) - Saw education as crucial for creating social solidarity and transmitting society's norms and values.
Talcott Parsons (1902-1979) - Viewed schools as a bridge between family and wider society, preparing children for adult roles.
Davis and Moore - Argued education helps sort people into appropriate jobs based on their abilities (role allocation).
1. Social solidarity - Creating shared values and social cohesion
2. Skills provision - Teaching knowledge and skills needed for work
3. Role allocation - Matching talents to appropriate jobs
4. Meritocracy - Promoting achievement based on ability and effort
For functionalists, one of education's most important roles is creating social solidarity – the sense that we all belong to the same society with shared values and goals.
Emile Durkheim believed education was vital for creating social cohesion. He argued that schools teach children:
For example, when students sing the national anthem, celebrate national holidays, or learn about their country's history, they develop a sense of national identity and social belonging.
Think about the rituals in UK schools that create a sense of belonging: morning assemblies, sports days, school uniforms, house systems and school mottos. These all help students feel part of something bigger than themselves and learn shared values.
For instance, many schools have house systems where students compete in various activities, fostering both team spirit and a sense of belonging to the wider school community.
A central claim of functionalists is that education creates a meritocratic society where people succeed based on their abilities and efforts, not their social background.
According to functionalists, education helps create a fair society by:
Schools provide all students with the same chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
Students who work hard and have ability are rewarded with qualifications and access to better jobs.
Education allows talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to move up the social ladder.
Talcott Parsons argued that schools act as a 'bridge' between family and society. In families, children are treated differently based on who they are (e.g., age, personality). But in schools, all students are judged by the same standards – their academic performance. This prepares them for the adult world where people are judged on achievement rather than background.
The UK has many examples of people who used education to achieve social mobility:
Alan Sugar - Born to a working-class family in East London, left school at 16, but used his business skills to become a billionaire and was eventually made a Lord.
Stormzy - Grew up on a council estate in South London, but excelled academically and was offered a place at Oxford University before pursuing his music career. He now funds scholarships for Black students to attend Cambridge University.
These examples are often used to support the idea that the UK is a meritocracy where talent and hard work are rewarded.
Functionalists argue that education helps society run smoothly by ensuring people end up in jobs that match their abilities.
Sociologists Davis and Moore argued that education acts as a sorting mechanism that identifies the most talented individuals and channels them into the most important and demanding jobs. This process benefits society because:
For example, students who excel in science subjects might be encouraged to become doctors or engineers, while those with strong communication skills might be directed toward careers in law or teaching.
Functionalists highlight how education provides both:
Specific skills - Subject knowledge, literacy, numeracy, IT skills
General skills - Punctuality, following instructions, working with others
These prepare young people for their future roles in the workforce and help the economy function efficiently.
Schools continue the socialisation process started by families:
Universal values - Teaching wider societal norms beyond family values
Preparing for adult life - Learning to interact with authority figures and peers
Future roles - Developing skills and attitudes needed for adult responsibilities
While functionalism offers important insights into education's role in society, many sociologists criticise this perspective for being too positive and ignoring problems in the education system.
Critics argue that the idea of education as a meritocracy doesn't match reality:
For example, research shows that even when working-class students achieve the same grades as middle-class students, they are less likely to attend top universities or enter prestigious professions.
Other sociological perspectives offer different views on education:
Marxists argue that education reproduces inequality by preparing working-class children for working-class jobs while helping middle-class children maintain their advantages.
Feminists point out that despite girls' academic success, gender inequality persists in subject choices and career paths.
Interactionists focus on how teacher expectations and labelling can create self-fulfilling prophecies that affect student achievement.
To summarise, functionalists see education as performing several vital roles that help society function smoothly:
While this perspective highlights important positive functions of education, critics argue it presents an overly optimistic view that doesn't adequately address how education can reproduce inequality. A balanced understanding of education's role in society requires considering multiple sociological perspectives.
Log in to track your progress and mark lessons as complete!
Login NowDon't have an account? Sign up here.