A Comparison of Marxist and Functionalist Understanding...

A Comparison of Marxist and Functionalist Understanding of the Role of Education in Society Functionalist theories assume the different parts of a society each have their own role to play (their own function), and work together smoothly in order to form a harmonious whole (macro). The metaphor often used to describe functionalism is that it views society as a body, with the different socialisation agents —government, media, religion, the family, etc., and, of course, education—being like the different organs in a body, each contributing in a different way to keeping the entire body healthy. Functionalism assumes that the various institutions of a society always operate so as to support that†¦show more content†¦And education legitimates class inequalities by producing ideologies hat disguise its true cause. The function of ideology is to persuade workers to accept that inequality is inevitable and that they deserve their subordinate position in society. If they accept these ideas, they are less likely to challenge or threaten capitalism. Initially the functionalism view on education started with Emile Durkhiem who argued that society needs a sense of solidarity; that is, its individual members must feel themselves to be apart of a single ‘body’ or community. He argues that without social solidarity, social life and cooperation would be impossible because of each individual would persuade their own selfish desires. The education system helps to create social solidarity by transmitting society’s culture- its value consensus (shared norms, beliefs and values) from one generation to the next. For example, Durkhiem argues that the teaching of a country’s history and citizenship classes instils in children a sense of a shared heritage and a commitment to the wider social group. He also argues that education teaches individuals the specialist knowledge and skills that they need to play their part in the social division of labour. Parsons drew his ideas from Durkhiem’s. ParsonsShow MoreRelatedFunctionalism and Marxism. A Critical Evaluation Essay1135 Words   |  5 Pagesdisciplines. These social sciences attempted to explain the rapid and fundamental changes which were shattering traditional ways of life in Britain and Europe. Sociology emerged as one of these innovative areas and sought to analyse the nature of society and the complexities within it using collective theories and perspectives. The construction of a sociological perspective can best be illustrated by the application of several fundamental questions, the responses and explanations of which, produceRead MoreFunctionalism And Its Impact On Society Essay1530 Words   |  7 Pagesstability and participation within modern society. The social events are clarified by reference to the functions that achieves in allowing constancy within society. The society is related to biological organism in that the whole is seen to be made up of interd ependent and unified parts, this assimilation is the result of a general agreement on core values and norms. Over the process of socialisation, we can learn these rules of society, which are transformed into roles. Therefore, agreement is seeminglyRead MoreMarxism And Functionalism : Society And Sport Essay1658 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay a comparison of two different sociological perspectives such as Marxism and Functionalism through society and sport, highlighting the benefits and problems. Both, Marxism and Functionalism are sets of ideas trying to provide an explanation for human society and how it operates. Marxism and Functionalism are both related to a structural view of sociology. That is according to Giddens observable patterns of behavior within a society that shapes the individual due to so many differentRead MoreSociological Theory3361 Words   |  14 Pagesin a society behave? Sociologists focus on the environment and the social aspects of human behaviour in order to answer questions like these when studying a particular society. A society is defined as a large social group that shares the same geographical territory and is governed by the same political authority and cultural expectations. Culture is defined as the shared values of a society such as language, beliefs and ways of doing things (Burton, 2013, online). When looking at a society thereRead MoreSocial Factors That Influence The Patient Doctor Relationship1789 Words   |  8 Pageswould impact on different generations living different lifestyles and changing societies. â€Å"Adolescence is indeed a tempestuous period†, (Thorne, B Lambers.1998). Finally I find language barriers a major social factor as if you can’t understand what your doctor is saying to you it has complications in treatment and there is not always a translator available. 2: Discuss how functionalists/ interactionalists / Marxists might view these factors Starting with interactionalists who view healthRead MoreThe Social Perspectives Functionalism And Marxism Essay1654 Words   |  7 Pagesmodern society. The social events are clarified by reference to the functions that achieves in allowing constancy within society. Functionalism state that education helps the needs of industrial society by an advanced labour, education helps the needs of the social system by teaching pupils communal values, norms and beliefs. This leads to great social solidarity. The education means those who have the skill that can move up the social classes, such as meritocracy. Parson believes that education is partRead MoreEvaluate Functionalists Views on the Role of Functions in Society Today2539 Words   |  11 PagesEvaluate Functionalists views on the role and functions of religion today. Functionalism is a macro theory, which is based on society as a whole, rather than just that of the individual. It is argued that functionalism generates many things for society. Religion, from a functionalist point of view, socialises people, teaching them norms and values of society, which are the basis for social unity. Religion further is a structure within functionalism which aids in influencing individuals lives. FunctionalismRead MoreScly1 Past Papers7036 Words   |  29 Pageson abortion; divorce; contraception; reproductive technology; marriage; adoption; pensions; benefits; taxes; education; childcare; child protection; sexuality; immigration may be discussed Analysis and evaluation may be developed, for instance by comparing the impact of different policies/laws or by discussing perspectives on social policy and the family (eg New Right, feminist, functionalist etc) From the examiner’s report: The most successful answers were able to identify relevant policies whichRead MoreStructural Consensus And Conflict Theories Of Social Action2201 Words   |  9 Pagesconflict theories of social action such as Durkheimian, Parsonian, Marxist and Weberian with interpretivist perspectives. The aim is to outline the main features of each theory whilst critically analysing the similarities and differences between them. It will also examine the relevance of these theories within modern day society. Durkheim was one of the most influential sociologists in relation to the functionalist theories which stated society consisted of a structural consensus with a collective conscienceRead MoreEssay about The Function of Education2078 Words   |  9 PagesThe Function of Education Education is an aspect of socialisation which involves the acquisition of knowledge and learning of skills. It shapes our beliefs and moral values through a systematic formal transmission. Education is said be an integral function of society, as it provides a contributory characteristic which helps to maintain and adapt society and its values. Before the 1960s, education was taught through a system known as the Tripartite system. This