Functionalism theory views education as socializing students into the dominant social norms and values. This creates social cohesion and stability. According to functionalists like Parsons, schools introduce children to universal norms and a meritocratic system where status is achieved through exams and academic performance rather than ascription. A key function of education is to select and train students for different jobs in society based on ability and transmit the skills needed for the workforce. However, Marxists argue this socialization process serves to indoctrinate students into a capitalist ideology rather than benefit society. They also believe education does not provide equal opportunities and the link between intelligence, education and occupational outcomes is weaker than functionalists claim.

1. Functionalist theory

2.  Examines the socialisation function of
education. He sees school as a microcosm of
society.
 In education students are socialised into the
dominant norms and values of society. A
consensus of values is necessary if society is
to remain in a state of balance and conflict is
to be avoided.

3.  Socialisation:
 Parsons agrees with Durkheim, that education
has the important function of secondary
socialisation.
 Children must be taught the dominant norms
and values of society and must also learn to
integrate with other members of society.

4.  In the family- children are treated in a
particularistic manner, status is ascribed.
 In wider society- people are treated in a
universalistic manner, society is a
meritocracy, status is achieved.
 In education- Children are treated in a
universalistic manner, education is a
meritocracy and status is achieved.

5.  A function of education is to transmit the
skills and knowledge that pupils need to
know to become effective workers in society.

6.  Since the industrial revolution, society has
evolved and has become more complex, with
jobs which require different skills and
different levels of work.
 It is a function of education to select the
right people for the most functionally
important jobs.
 This is done through exams.

7.  A) It is a function of education to select the
most intelligent people to carry out the most
functionally important jobs, this is done
through exams.
 B) These people should be rewarded with
high status and high wages.
 C) They are entrepreneurs and create work
for other people.
 D) They have sacrificed time and money to
study and become successful.

8.  Education was made compulsory
 The school leaving age has been raised
 There is now a wider variety of subject choice
 Further and Higher education was introduced.
 The introduction of examinations.

9.  Marxists agree that pupils are socialised into
dominant norms and values but see this as
not functional for society. It is dysfunctional
because people are brainwashed into a
capitalist ideology which is not functional for
the individual or society.

10.  Marxists do not believe that education is a
meritocracy because everyone is not given an
equal opportunity to achieve. State educated
pupils are taught to follow and privately
educated pupils are taught to lead. Also girls
do not receive the same education as boys
and ethnic minorities are discriminated
against.

11.  Tumin disagrees that the most intelligent
pupils become the best paid workers and do
the most functionally important jobs. Some
highly paid workers are not the most
intelligent and are not functionally important
to society. He believes that talented people
do not get the right opportunities in the
education system.