Theories Of Education: Functionalist Theory of

Education1. Discussion regarding homework: What are the norms

and values in British Society you have observed?

2. Emile Durkheim: Norms, Values, Roles, Status and Deviance! –PP Slides

3. Activity! –What are the values behind norms?

4. Coffee Break

5. Talcott Parsons: Primary and Secondary Socialisation and Role Allocation in Schools

6. Teletubbies Video: What do children learn about the world from tv?

7. Role Allocation: Complete Activity on race and prizes!

8. Conclusion: Criticisms of Functionalist View of Education

Emile Durkheim; Norms and Values Education System transmits...... Norms: Unwritten and unspoken rules of everyday

life. Children learn these values at a young age Values: Beliefs and moral views tha are deeply

held by most people in society. Values areoften specific to certain cultures. (ie: In the west, getting an education is a commonly shared value).

Status: Position in society. People can have several statuses!

Ascribed Status (age, sex, ethnicity)- Something you cant change

Achieved Status: Change through individual efforts and work (ie becoming a lawyer, a doctor)

For ex: In India, status is ascribed...people cant change their social position through education. In Western Europe, people can change their position through education or work

Activity! Spend 10 mins making a list of

norms you have identified in the UK Make another column and discuss

and decide if you feel there are ‘values’ behind the norms.

For example: Norm: Not talking when someone else

talks Value: Respect other peoples right to

an opinion, to freedom of speech.

EMILE Durkheim: Primary and Secondary Socialisation Teletubbies Video

Talcott Parsons, Davis and Moore: Education and Role allocation Education performs: GAIL Goal Attainment Adaptation Integrates/Integration Latency

Parsons believes education ‘sorts and sifts’ children by ability for suitable educational qualifications and then later on for suitable roles or jobs in society