Different Perspectives On What The Role And Purpose Of Education

A Functionalist approach looks at how society works as a whole and has been a dominant sociological theory in the past, in America.(1940s and 1950s). This impacts on children in relation to gender as society is seen as divided into social class, and this therefore provides a structure to society. It focusses on demands and opportunities in daily life. In relation to Education and gender, children have opportunities to gain knowledge and to achieve qualifications that will provide them a way to a career in the future. Functionalist theorist Durkheim, developed the theories of Compte and Spencer, Durkheim believed that society ’has a reality of its own, over individuals who compromise it’. (Haralambos and Holborn, 2013, p.955) This theory’s suggestion of the existence of gender inequalities which came from Parson’s development of the nuclear family and because it suggests predefined roles for example the mother takes care of housework and cooking while the father is seen as the ‘breadwinner’ the one who provides for the family and this is for the division of labour. This influences children on the way they think of different genders and will impact on how they view their roles and future self. So as a result of social construction and functionalism in society, boys may see themselves as having to provide for their family and girls may think they have to take on a more caring role, looking after children, doing housework

Functionalism is based on the view that society is a system of interdependent parts held together by a shared culture or value consensus (agreement) amongst individuals as to what values or norms are important in society. Therefore they take a positive view of the education system. As item A suggests they see it as a form of secondary socialism essential to maintaining society i.e. the values and norms transmitted by social institutions and groups which build upon those learnt in the family (primary socialism).

It has been stated and understood that the purpose of education was best explained by John Dewey and was defined as transferring knowledge to young minds while preparing them for specific roles throughout society. Education must empower children and provide them with a sense of courage, inspiration, and worth. It is not simply teaching a set standard or curriculum. Teaching and learning should focus on values, attitudes, behaviors, and principles to help students learn to be unique yet commendable contributing citizens in a world filled with diversity. In order to conquer such goals, it is important to include all the variables, teachers, students, parents, curriculum, standards, and the community’s position. Without one of these vital roles, everyone will suffer and the overall goal will be that much more difficult to reach. The students, teacher, and community all take responsibilities in educating today’s children regardless of their ethnic, cultural, religious or sexual beliefs. In my classroom it is vital for students to feel comfortable, heard, and appreciated.

Emile Durkheim, a functionalist’s view of education is that it teaches us the norms and value of society. Education helps to unite all the individuals of society which creates a sense of belonging and commitment to that

Education prepares children for the world of work and helps them to develop their personal talents, discover who they are, and where they would best fit into society’s workforce as viewed by the Functionalist. They see three main function of education; role allocation, providing skills, and socialization. Education can be seen to provide pupils/ students with the curriculum and hidden curriculum; teaching skills that will prepare them physically, mentally and socially for the world of work in later life (Szarowicz, 2004).

     Functionalists view the role of education as a means of socialising individuals and to integrate society, to keep society running smoothly and remain stable. Emile Durkheim, creator of the Organic Analogy, was a functionalist during the 1870’s. Durkheim believes that society can only survive if its members are committed to common

Functionalists in sociology see education in different parts that work together to make society a working, functional place to live. Interrelated parts of education consist of core values, meritocracy, and labeling.

Getting educated is very important for every person. It goes without saying that each of us has to have a proper education. We learn how to read, count and write. These are the basic abilities we acquire and use during our life. Is there any other purpose of education or it is aimed only at giving us a possibility to communicate our ideas and satisfy basic needs? During centuries, there were different interpretations of the purpose of education. Many scientists, pedagogues and philosophers tried to answer the question: what is the purpose of education? Taking into consideration the needs and tendencies of a modern society, we can assume that the purpose of education is to prepare students to be self-sufficient citizens capable of solving

Having attended public schools throughout my childhood and adolescence, I never was familiar with the term functionalism and its many elements. After observing and analyzing my field placement classroom I have come to understand the concept of functionalism to some extent. In general, functionalists “see schools as serving to socialize students to adapt to the economic, political, and social institutions of that society” (Feinberg, p.6, 2004). They also theorize that in order for societies to survive, they must carry out vital functions such as, attaining fundamental knowledge and acquiring essential skills and proficiency, acknowledging certain norms and values within their community, and recognizing authority figures. It is also

Functionalist one of the “theories” of sociology are mainly concerned with the function of education to society and to seek solution to the following questions, “what is the relevance of education to the social system and “what are the relationship between education and economic system”.

This essay will aim to outline and criticise two critical theories of sociology: Functionalism and Marxism; while exploring their approach towards education in society. As a result, reaching a conclusion that is able to suggest and explain which of these perspectives offers the most accurate analysis of this area.

The main point the functionalist perspective on education is that society comprised of parts which encourage the framework in general and that adjustment in one a player in the public As a result, Functionalist theory on education shows that it assumes an indispensable part of people 's lives and society. For examples, when the society has a lot of educated people it will became more prosperous. On the other hand the society that has less educated people it will became illiterate.

In this paper, I am going to examine and compare my views on education to the great philosophers Aristotle, Socrates and Plato. Education should not be something forced on people from a very young age. We are educating our children to be master test takers who conform to the norm and not to think outside the box. My position is supported by Socrates in Plato 's The Republic and Aristotle in his Nicomachean Ethics, Book II. Because students waste too much time on testing, education should not be compulsory.

The structural-functional theory also known as functionalism is sociological theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability. Functionalists view education as a contribution to the smooth inner working of society. Education is a lifelong process, we are constantly learning new things and deepening our knowledge of things we already know. The education system works to prepare individuals to become fully functioning members of society. It works to teach people certain skills that will help them to be successful in life. However, education not only teaches people the skills they will need to be successful in life, but it also teaches them how to be decent citizens and to work well with others. Many people view education are a service to the overall function of society.

The functionalism is an education helps the needs of industrial society by an advanced separation labour.