Role of education in socialisation

    AQA
    GCSE

    The education system functions as a pivotal secondary agent of socialisation, bridging the transition from the particularistic standards of the family to the universalistic standards of wider society. Candidates must analyse the mechanisms through which schools transmit norms, values, and culture, evaluating whether this process fosters social solidarity (Functionalism) or reproduces class-based inequalities through the 'hidden curriculum' (Marxism). Assessment focuses on the application of sociological theory to educational practices, requiring critical engagement with the debate between consensus and conflict perspectives regarding the ideological function of schooling.

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    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit explicit application of sociological perspectives (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism) to the concept of socialisation.
    • Award marks for correct usage of conceptual terminology: universalistic standards, particularistic standards, hidden curriculum, social solidarity.
    • Responses must evaluate the claim that education is meritocratic against evidence of class, gender, or ethnic stratification.
    • Candidates must distinguish between the formal curriculum (subjects) and the hidden curriculum (norms/values) when discussing socialisation mechanisms.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit explicit application of sociological perspectives (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism) to the concept of socialisation.
    • Award marks for correct usage of conceptual terminology: universalistic standards, particularistic standards, hidden curriculum, social solidarity.
    • Responses must evaluate the claim that education is meritocratic against evidence of class, gender, or ethnic stratification.
    • Candidates must distinguish between the formal curriculum (subjects) and the hidden curriculum (norms/values) when discussing socialisation mechanisms.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡In 'Discuss how far' questions, ensure you present a debate (e.g., Functionalist view vs. Marxist critique).
    • 💡Always explicitly refer to the 'Item' provided in the question to secure AO2 application marks.
    • 💡Use the 'PERC' structure for paragraphs: Point, Explain, Refer (to sociologist/study), Critique.
    • 💡Allocate approximately 1 minute per mark; spend 12-15 minutes on the final 12-mark essay.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing primary socialisation (family) with secondary socialisation (education).
    • Relying on anecdotal evidence or personal school experience instead of sociological studies or theory.
    • Failing to critique the Functionalist view of meritocracy when discussing role allocation.
    • Describing what happens in school without linking it to wider societal structures (e.g., economy or patriarchy).

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss how far
    Examine
    Outline

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