Deprivation and Functionalism
Provide one line of criticism of functionalism regarding the meritocratic education system.
There is little evidence that a genuinely ability-based system exists in modern industrial societies (Livesey, 2019).
What is one way gender can influence curriculum?
“First, different subjects are associated with males (masculinity) and females (feminity), and this influences steh choices students make about which optional subjects to study, and their attitude to the subject…" (Livesey, 2019).
Provide one example of cultural racism. Use an example from the textbook.
Ethnocentrism: “Involves teaching practices and expectations based on cultural norms, histories, and general cultural references unfamiliar to many ethnic-minority students” (Livesey, 2019).
Give an example of an intended consequence.
tbd.
What is the 'Education Reform Act 1988'?
The policy introduced marketization in education, emphasizing competition between schools, promoting parental choice, and granting schools more autonomy. Critics argue it increased inequalities between schools and social groups.
Provide one example of material deprivation.
Poor diet/nutrition, lack of study facilities at home, need to work to supplement family income, more vulernable to illness.
What is another way gender can influence the curriculum?
“Teachers tend to teach different material within a subject, or to teach it differently, depending on whether they are teaching boys or girls or both” (Livesey, 2019).
Provide one example of cultural racism. Use an example from the textbook.
What is banding?
"Students are allocated to different 'bands' when they enter secondary school on the basis of reports from teachers in their primary schools" (Livsesey, 2019).
What is the 'Tripartite System' or '11+ Exam'?
Critics often highlight that this system, while aiming for equality of opportunity, actually led to social inequalities by segregating children based on academic ability at a young age.
Provide one example of cultural deprivation. Use examples from the text.
Parental attitudes, family size, position within the family, limited care of babies in large families.
What is another example of the criticism of the meritocratic education system?
Functional importance can only be measured subjectively.
Describe the three primary areas of society of interest to functionalists.
Family, work, and education.
What is streaming?
Students are enrolled in all the same classes depending on their ability.
What is Gender reform in Education
This policy aimed to challenge gender stereotypes by encouraging subjects like technology and science for girls and promoting a more inclusive curriculum.
What happens if the needs of one institution are not fulfilled in the functionalist perspective?
"Tensions develop within the system that threaten its stability and ability to function" (Livesey, 2019).
What is setting?
Students are streamed on a class-by-class basis.
What is the 'Academisation Program' or 'Academy Conversion'?
This policy initiative, prevalent in the UK since the 2000s, involves the conversion of schools from local authority control to independent academies. Name the policy and briefly discuss one motivation behind this shift in school governance.
Describe the correspondence principle and explain one method that is fulfilled.
“The view that the organization of schools closely corresponds to the organization and demands of the workplace” (Livesey, 2019).