The Role and Functions of Education

    OCR
    GCSE

    The study of the functions of education centers on the debate between consensus and conflict theories regarding the role of educational institutions. Candidates must analyse Functionalist views (Durkheim, Parsons) on socialisation, skills provision, and role allocation, contrasting these with Marxist perspectives (Althusser, Bowles & Gintis) on the reproduction of class inequality and the legitimation of capitalist ideology. Contemporary analysis requires application of New Right and Neoliberal ideologies regarding marketisation, efficiency, and the vocationalisation of the curriculum.

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

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Credit accurate definitions of 'meritocracy' explicitly linked to Talcott Parsons' view of role allocation.
    • Award marks for explaining the 'correspondence principle' and linking it to the needs of the capitalist workforce.
    • Candidates must distinguish between 'particularistic standards' (family) and 'universalistic standards' (school).
    • Credit analysis that contrasts the Functionalist view of 'social solidarity' with the Marxist view of 'false class consciousness'.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate definitions of 'meritocracy' explicitly linked to Talcott Parsons' view of role allocation.
    • Award marks for explaining the 'correspondence principle' and linking it to the needs of the capitalist workforce.
    • Candidates must distinguish between 'particularistic standards' (family) and 'universalistic standards' (school).
    • Credit analysis that contrasts the Functionalist view of 'social solidarity' with the Marxist view of 'false class consciousness'.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When discussing the 'hidden curriculum', explicitly state whether you are applying a Functionalist or Marxist interpretation.
    • 💡For 12-mark questions, ensure a 'developed conclusion' that weighs the relative strength of the arguments, rather than just summarizing.
    • 💡Use specific sociological studies (e.g., Willis, Ball) to support theoretical points about the functions of education.
    • 💡Allocate 1 minute per mark; do not over-write on the 6-mark 'Describe' questions at the expense of the 24-mark essay.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing primary socialisation (family) with secondary socialisation (education) without clear distinction.
    • Asserting that education teaches 'norms and values' without specifying *whose* norms (shared vs. ruling class).
    • Providing anecdotal evidence of school rules rather than sociological concepts like the 'hidden curriculum'.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Identify
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Compare

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