Overview
This lecture covers Emile Durkheim's functionalist perspective on the role of education, focusing on its functions of promoting social solidarity and teaching specialist skills, including contemporary applications and critiques.
Durkheim’s Functionalist View of Education
- Durkheim argued education performs positive functions for society, mainly social solidarity and teaching specialist skills.
- Social solidarity refers to social ties that bind individuals together in society.
- Mechanical solidarity existed in pre-industrial societies through shared values, religion, and simple work structures.
- The industrial revolution shifted society to organic solidarity, with bonds based on shared experiences in diverse work and communities.
- Durkheim believed education should promote moral education and social solidarity in the modern era.
Functions of Education: Social Solidarity
- Education promotes a shared heritage and common identity through subjects like history, literature, and religion.
- School rituals, assemblies, and group activities foster a sense of belonging and community.
- Clubs, house systems, and team activities build cohesion and unity among students.
Contemporary Applications: Social Solidarity
- Curriculum reforms (e.g., Michael Gove’s 2013 changes) emphasized British history and literature to foster national identity.
- Introduction of "British values" in schools aimed to reinforce elements of British culture and counter extremism.
- Critics argue these measures can marginalize minority groups and present a narrow view of history and culture.
Critiques of Social Solidarity Function
- Marxists argue education serves the interests of the ruling class, promoting their values and history.
- Curriculum criticized for “little Englandism,” neglecting histories from diverse backgrounds.
- Teaching “tolerance” may imply non-Christian faiths are inferior, further marginalizing minorities.
Functions of Education: Teaching Specialist Skills
- Modern economies require diverse and complex skills beyond traditional agricultural roles.
- National curriculum prepares students for employment by teaching literacy, numeracy, and subject-specific knowledge.
- Vocational education and technical qualifications train students for specific professions.
- Red brick universities established to provide technical and scientific training.
Contemporary Applications: Specialist Skills
- Government funding targets shortages in subjects like maths, sciences, and foreign languages.
- Standardized tests (GCSEs, A-Levels, SATs) assess acquisition of specialist knowledge and skills.
- Focus on global skills prepares students to compete internationally.
Critiques of Specialist Skills Function
- Marxists contend education provides fragmented knowledge for role performance, creating excess competition and lowering wages.
- High youth unemployment and underemployment challenge the effectiveness of specialist education.
- Persistent skill shortages in fields like nursing and teaching suggest education is not adequately fulfilling this function.
- Feminists argue subject choices reinforce gendered employment hierarchies and discourage girls from entering certain fields.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Social Solidarity — The social ties and sense of unity that connect individuals within a society.
- Mechanical Solidarity — Traditional social bonds in small, homogenous societies based on shared beliefs and values.
- Organic Solidarity — Social bonds in modern societies based on interdependence and specialization.
- Specialist Skills — Specific skills and knowledge required for particular jobs in a complex economy.
- NEETs — Young people Not in Education, Employment, or Training.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of curriculum changes and their impact on social solidarity.
- Prepare evaluation points comparing functionalist and Marxist critiques for essays.
- Read additional case studies on vocational education and skill shortages.