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The Role and Function of the Education System

Functionalism suggests that education benefits society as a whole, but Marxists believe that education only benefits the ruling classes, while feminism sees education as only benefiting men.

Different views

Different views

  • There are many views about the role that education plays in society, as well as what education is for, across different sociological perspectives.
Functionalists

Functionalists

  • Functionalists view education as one component within a larger societal whole.
Marxists

Marxists

  • Marxists see education as a tool used by the powerful to exploit the working classes.
Feminists

Feminists

  • Feminists, on the other hand, claims that education simply reinforces patriarchy.
Jump to other topics
1

Theory & Methods

2

Education with Methods in Context

3

Option 1: Culture & Identity

4

Option 1: Families & Households

5

Option 1: Health

6

Option 1: Work, Poverty & Welfare

7

Option 2: Beliefs in Society

8

Option 2: Global Development

9

Option 2: The Media

10

Crime & Deviance

Practice questions on Introduction

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