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Education Criticism of Functionalist Theory

The document critiques the functionalist perspective on education, highlighting issues such as the Marxist view of power inequalities, the myth of meritocracy, and the deterministic approach that overlooks student agency. It also discusses the Correspondence Principle, which posits that education mirrors capitalist workplace structures, reinforcing social inequalities. Overall, the critiques emphasize the limitations of functionalism in addressing the complexities of the education system.

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22 views2 pages

Education Criticism of Functionalist Theory

The document critiques the functionalist perspective on education, highlighting issues such as the Marxist view of power inequalities, the myth of meritocracy, and the deterministic approach that overlooks student agency. It also discusses the Correspondence Principle, which posits that education mirrors capitalist workplace structures, reinforcing social inequalities. Overall, the critiques emphasize the limitations of functionalism in addressing the complexities of the education system.

Uploaded by

zunairah.5791
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Criticism Of Functionalist Perspective On Education 9699

The functionalist perspective on education has faced several criticisms:

1. Marxist Critique: Marxists argue that the functionalist view ignores the inequalities in
power within society. They believe that education transmits the values of the ruling class
rather than society's shared values.
2. Meritocracy Myth: Functionalists assume that education is meritocratic, but critics
highlight that social class, ethnicity, and gender significantly influence educational
success, challenging the idea of equal opportunity.
3. Deterministic Approach: Functionalists are criticized for their deterministic view,
assuming that all students passively accept the values taught in schools. Evidence of anti-
school subcultures contradicts this assumption.
4. Feminist Perspective: Feminists argue that education perpetuates patriarchal values,
disadvantaging girls and women.
5. Irrelevance to Workplace: Critics from the New Right suggest that the skills taught in
schools are often irrelevant to the workplace, leaving students inadequately prepared for
employment.
6. Social Inequality: Functionalists are accused of legitimizing social inequality by
suggesting that education naturally selects and allocates individuals to roles based on
ability, ignoring systemic biases.

These critiques highlight the limitations of the functionalist perspective in addressing the
complexities and inequalities within the education system.

The Correspondence Principle


The Correspondence Principle, developed by Bowles and Gintis, is a Marxist theory that
examines the relationship between education systems and capitalist economic structures. It
suggests that the norms and values taught in schools mirror those required in the workplace,
preparing students for their roles in a capitalist society.

Key aspects of this principle include:

 Hierarchy and Authority: Schools are structured hierarchically, with teachers and
administrators holding authority, similar to workplace hierarchies2.
 Motivation by External Rewards: Students are motivated by grades and qualifications,
akin to workers being motivated by wages.
 Hidden Curriculum: Beyond formal education, schools instill punctuality, obedience,
and competitiveness, aligning with workplace expectations.

This theory highlights how education contributes to the reproduction of social inequalities and
the capitalist system

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