A Comparison of Marxist and Functionalist Understanding of the Role of Education in Society

A Comparison of Marxist and Functionalist Understanding of the Role of Education in Society

Functionalist theories assume the different parts of a society each

have their own role to play (their own "function"), and work together

smoothly in order to form a harmonious whole (macro). The metaphor

often used to describe functionalism is that it views society as a

body, with the different socialisation agents —government, media,

religion, the family, etc., and, of course, education—being like the

different organs in a body, each contributing in a different way to

keeping the entire body healthy.

Functionalism assumes that the various institutions of a society

always operate so as to support that society as it is. If they didn’t,

the society would perish; therefore, functionalism believes, it’s safe

to assume that they do in any society one may encounter, for otherwise

the society would no longer be here for us to study.

Functionalism is based on value consensus which provides stability and

functional prerequisites.

In Marxism it is based on capitalism. In capitalism, the minority

class, the bourgeoisie or capitalist employers who own the means of

production make their profits by exploiting the labour of the

majority, the proletariat. As a result, work under capitalism is

alienating, unsatisfying, poorly paid and something over which workers

have no control over. This creates the potential for class conflict.

The functions of education, in functionalisms perspective, for society

as a whole are to meet the shared goals (value consensus) of society.

Where as Marxists see education is based on class division and

capitalis...

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... the system helps the transmission of society’s value consensus;

prepare the young for adult roles, the selection of young people in

terms of talents and abilities for appropriate roles in adult life.

The provision of knowledge, skills and training necessary for

effective participation in the labour force. Which in essence is

based a pun meritocracy, equal opportunities, sifting and sorting

people in society, having the right skills for the job and value

consensus.

Where as in Marxism it has a huge impact on people with power

ideologies. And creates feudalism which then initially leads to

capitalism which in quintessence creates class conflict.

The biggest difference over all is that Functionalism wants societies

to be harmonically were in Marxism it could never be achieved if

everything was to be equal.