Parsons' Functionalist Theory of Education

Talcott Parsons, another prominent functionalist, views the school as the 'focal socializing agency' in modern society. His functionalist perspective on education emphasizes the school's role as a bridge between family and wider society.

Quote: "School acts as a bridge between the family and wider society."

Parsons argues that this bridge is necessary because family and society operate on different principles. Children need to learn a new way of living to cope with the wider world.

Within the family:

• Children are judged by particularistic standards (rules specific to that child)
• A child's status is fixed at birth (e.g., different rights/duties based on age and gender)

In school and wider society:

• Everyone is judged by the same universalistic and impersonal standards
• Each pupil is evaluated against the same criteria (e.g., standardized exams)
• A person's status is largely achieved (e.g., promotion due to work performance)

Definition: Meritocracy is a system where advancement is based on individual ability or achievement.

Parsons sees school as preparing students for the transition from family to wider society because both school and society are based on meritocratic principles. This functionalist perspective on education roles highlights the importance of schools in socializing individuals for their future roles in society.

Davis & Moore's Functionalist View on Education

Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore, in their functionalist perspective on education, focus on the relationship between education and social inequality. They argue that schools perform the crucial function of selecting and allocating pupils to their future work roles.

Vocabulary: Role allocation refers to the process of assigning individuals to specific positions or roles in society.

Davis and Moore contend that inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented individuals. Their view suggests that:

1. Not everyone is equally talented, so society must offer higher rewards for important jobs.
2. This encourages competition, allowing society to select the most talented individuals for these positions.

Highlight: Education acts as a proving ground for ability, where individuals demonstrate their capabilities.

In this functionalist theory of education example, schools are seen as institutions that 'sift and sort' students according to their abilities. The most capable individuals gain the highest qualifications, which gives them entry to the most important and highly rewarded positions in society.

Example: A student who excels in science subjects might be encouraged to pursue a career in medicine or engineering, which are considered high-status professions.

This perspective aligns with the concept of role allocation Davis and Moore proposed, emphasizing education's role in preparing individuals for their future societal positions based on merit and ability.