Introduction to functionalist theory

Functionalists argue that education serves as a key institution that contributes to the smooth functioning of society. It acts as an important agency of secondary socialisation, which functions to socialise children into shared beliefs and values that promote a sense of social solidarity, or social belonging to society.

Durkheim's perspective on education

Émile Durkheim, a key functionalist thinker, highlighted education's role in building a unified society amid diversity. He believed that schools transmit a shared culture and identity to young people.

Examples of promoting shared culture through education

• History teaching - Durkheim saw this as a way to instil pride in national heritage. In the UK, some politicians, such as Michael Gove, have advocated for history curricula that emphasise positive aspects of Britain's imperial history to build national unity.
• English language and literature - These subjects expose students to cultural narratives and values, helping them internalise societal norms.
• Religious studies - This promotes understanding of moral and ethical frameworks that underpin social order.
• Citizenship education - Introduced in England in 2002 as a statutory subject for 11-to 16-year-olds, it teaches rights and responsibilities, aiming to promote student understanding of British citizens' rights and responsibilities.
• Patriotic practices - In some countries, schools hold assemblies to reinforce national loyalty. For instance, in the USA and Mexico, students may parade the national flag or recite pledges of allegiance. In 2017, about 50 per cent of US states required the pledge to be recited.

Parsons' view on education as a bridge

Talcott Parsons, another functionalist sociologist, described education as a vital link between the family and wider society. He distinguished between particularistic standards in the family - where children receive love, attention, and status based on who they are, regardless of achievements - and universalistic standards in society - where status is earned through talent, effort, and merit. Schools help children transition to these universalistic standards, preparing them for adult life where they will be judged in the workplace.

Key values promoted by education according to Parsons

• Consensus on core values - Schools teach agreement on ideas like the importance of hard work, educational success, and gaining qualifications, which are essential to prepare young people for the world of work.
• Meritocracy - This is the principle that rewards should be based on ability and effort, not background. Parsons argued that schools should operate meritocratically, providing equality of opportunity so that talent shines through regardless of social class, gender, or ethnicity.

Davis and Moore's ideas on role allocation

Kingsley Davis and Wilbert Moore extended functionalist ideas by focusing on education's role in matching people to jobs. They argued that education performs role allocation - the process of identifying and assigning individuals to positions that best suit their abilities, aiming to make the economy more effective. This happens through the sifting and sorting of pupils by exams and qualifications, enabling employers to allocate the most able to jobs which best suit their abilities.

Role allocation aims to make the economy more effective by placing individuals in jobs that best suit their abilities.