Presentation Transcript
FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF SCHOOLING:1. Orthodox Functionalism :FUNCTIONALIST THEORIES OF SCHOOLING:1. Orthodox Functionalism 1
INTRODUCTIONto Lectures 3-6 :INTRODUCTIONto Lectures 3-6 2
Slide 3:3 sociological perspectives
Functionalist theories
Conflict theories
Post-modernist theories 3
Slide 4:WHAT IS THEORY? Different theories offer different perspectives of both cause and effect. 4
Slide 5:5
Slide 6:Functionalist Perspectives
Of the sociology of the school 6
Slide 7:ASSUMPTION
We can understand social institutions, practices and processes by analyzing: their functions (or dysfunctions),
how such functions ensure the survival of a society, social group or social structure. 7
Slide 8:Two functionalist perspectives Orthodox functionalism
Liberal functionalism 8
ORTHODOX FUNCTIONALISM :ORTHODOX FUNCTIONALISM Émile Durkheim
Talcott Parsons 9
Émile Durkheim :Émile Durkheim Basic concepts of Durkheim’s theory 10
Slide 11:Mechanical versus Organic solidarity Pre-modern (ancient & feudal) societies are held together by mechanical solidarity.
Ideal modern societies are held together by organic solidarity. 11
Slide 12:The Ideal Modern Society The ideal society is cemented by organic solidarity:
1. agreement on a common culture: consensus on norms, values and obedience to rules.
2. high differentiation of labour & interdependence of roles. ? 12
Slide 13:13
Slide 14:What if organic solidarity breaks down? If organic solidarity breaks down (anomie), individuals may revert to egoistic behaviour. 14
Slide 15:The function of the school Ideal schools are like a mini-version of society; to maintain organic solidarity, schools must: reinforce social cohesion,
maintain social roles,
produce differentiated labour. 15
COMMERCIAL BREAK :COMMERCIAL BREAK 16
Talcott Parsons :Talcott Parsons Basic concepts of Parsons’ theory 17
Slide 18:Basic concept – structural functionalism Unlike Durkheim, Parsons focuses less on society but more on the agent of socialization.
Each social structure performs socialization functions to reinforce organic solidarity in society (structural-functionalism). 18
Slide 19:The “three systems” Society as a whole, and each societal structure is divided into 3 systems:
Cultural system
Social system
Personality system 19
Parson’s 3 systems of society and social structure :Parson’s 3 systems of society and social structure 20
Slide 21:The important function of meritocracy In modern societies, meritocracy is the basic ingredient in role expectation: the belief in fair play.
Meritocracy is supposedly anchored in equality & fairness to fulfill achieved status in society – “level playing field” – “best achiever deserves best job.”
BUT HOW FAR IS IT TRUE? … next lecture…
? 21