Compare the functionalist and conflict theory perspectives on education in relation to inequality in the United States

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Educational opportunities and life chances are directly linked. Some functionalist

theorists view education as the "elevator" to social mobility. Improvements in the

educational achievement levels (measured in number of years of school completed) of

the poor, people of color, and white women have been cited as evidence that students'

abilities are now more important than their class, race, or gender. From this

perspective, inequality in education is declining and students have an opportunity to

achieve upward mobility through achievements at school. Functionalists generally see

the education system as flexible, allowing most students the opportunity to attend

college if they apply themselves to their studies. In contrast, most conflict theorists

stress that schools are agencies for reproducing the capitalist class system and

perpetuating inequality in society. From this perspective, education perpetuates

poverty. Parents with limited income are not able to provide the same educational

opportunities for their children as are families with greater financial resources. Today,

great disparities exist in the distribution of educational resources. Because funding for

education primarily comes from local property taxes, school districts in suburban areas

generally pay higher teachers' salaries, have newer buildings, and provide state-of-the-

art equipment. By contrast, schools in poorer areas have a limited funding base.