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Question

Who amongst the following can be associated with the functionalist perspective on education?

The correct answer is
Durkheim and Parsons

The question asks you to identify which individuals can be associated with the functionalist perspective on education. Let's break down this question step-by-step and understand the functionalist perspective to provide the correct answer.

Functionalism in Education:

  • Functionalism is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.
  • In the context of education, functionalism views education as one of the most important social institutions as it contributes to the functioning of society by socializing individuals, teaching social norms, values, and skills necessary for participating productively in society.

Key Figures:

  • Emile Durkheim: Often considered the father of functionalism in sociology, Durkheim viewed education as an essential mechanism for maintaining social order and integrating individuals into society's moral values.
  • Talcott Parsons: A functionalist who expanded upon Durkheim's ideas, Parsons viewed education as a means to socialize young people, instilling them with the universalistic norms and values needed for the meritocratic society.

Understanding Other Theorists:

  • Althusser and Ivan Illich: These scholars are more associated with conflict theories and critiques of the educational system rather than functionalism.
  • Pierre Bourdieu and Young: Bourdieu is known for his work on social reproduction and cultural capital, which also aligns more with conflict perspectives rather than functionalism.
  • Bowles and Gintis and Labov: These theorists are linked with Marxist views on education, emphasizing the reinforcement of social inequalities, again aligning with conflict theory rather than functionalism.

Thus, the correct option that associates with the functionalist perspective on education is Durkheim and Parsons.

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Important Questions from Sociology of education - Teaching

  1. Which of the following theoretical perspective mainly emphasizes on hidden curriculum and credentialism?
  2. Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
     

    LIST–I (Role of Education) LIST–II (Perspective)
    A. Transmission of society's norms and values. I. Marxist
    B. To foster overall development and to develop talents to the full. II. Functionalist
    C. To transmit the general ruling class ideology. III. Cultural Deprivation
    D. Uniform state education would not provide everyone with equal chance. IV. Liberalist


    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  3. Of the following, whose thought represented a blending of ideas from European Phenomenology and American interactionism ?
  4. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
    Assertion (A) : Neo-positivists do not display a strong historical bias
    Reason (R) : Their techniques permit them to study only contemporary social problems.
    Select the correct answer from the codes given below :
  5. Critical Theory is synonymously known as :
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