Importance Of Functionalism In Education

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Register to read the introduction… Functionalism is an aspect of society which is interdependent and contributes to society functioning and creating mechanical and organic solidarity. It is also based on the relationship between a school and a society. Functionalism is also essential to education because it sorts the thorough students giving them a status of above average or below average. By doing this functionalism is trying to ensure the order at which the more talented students rise to the top and usually continue that social order as they grow older, although the below average children usually keep their social order as well, which is what functionalists see in education as sorting, separating students on the basis of merit. Society demands that the most capable people get channeled into the most important occupations and roles in life. Schools identify the most capable students early in their educational years. Those students who have the highest scores in the classroom and on standardized tests enter accelerated programs and college-preparation courses. Sociologists such as Talcott Parsons, Kingsley Davis, and Wilbert Moore referred to this as social placement. These sociologists saw this process as a beneficial function in society. After sorting has taken place, the next function of education is networking, which is referred to as making interpersonal connections. This networking may become professional or remain personal. The most significant role of education in this regard is matchmaking. Sociologists primarily interest themselves in how sorting and networking lead couples together of similar backgrounds, interests, education, and income potential. People place so much importance on this function of education that some parents limit their children's options for college to ensure that they attend schools where they can meet the “right” person to …show more content…
Web. 04 Mar. 2011. <http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Theories-of-Education.topicArticleId- 26957,articleId-26914.html>.
Hoenisch, By Steve. "Durkheim and Educational Systems." Criticism.Com: Home. Web. 04 Mar. 2010. <http://www.criticism.com/philosophy/durkheim-on-education.html>.
Anisef, Paul. "Overview of Theories Related to Comparative Education: Structural Functionalism, Conflict and Selected Micro Perspectives." Web. 04 Mar. 2011
Van Krieken, R., Smith, P., Habibis, D., McDonald, K., Haralambos, M., & Holborn, M. 2000, Sociology: Themes and Perspectives, (2nd edn.), Longman Pearson Education,

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