Describe the functionalist perspective on education and explain the societal importance of latent functions fulfilled by this social institution
What will be an ideal response?
Functionalists view education as one of the most important components of society. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, education is crucial for promoting social solidarity and stability in society. Durkheim also asserted that moral education is very important because it conveys moral values—the foundation of a cohesive social order. Sociologists using a functionalist framework distinguish between manifest functions and latent functions. Manifest functions are open, stated, and intended goals or consequences of activities within an institution. All social institutions also have latent functions, which are hidden, unstated, and sometimes unintended consequences of activities within an institution. Education serves at least three latent functions.
(1) The restriction of some activities—all states passed mandatory education laws that require children to attend school until they reach a specified age (usually age sixteen) or complete a minimum level of formal education (generally the eighth grade). Out of these laws grew one latent function of education, which is to keep students off the streets and out of the full-time job market for a number of years.
(2) Matchmaking and production of social networks—schools bring together people of similar ages, social class, and race/ethnicity; young people often meet future marriage partners and develop social networks that may last for many years.
(3) The creation of a generation gap—students may learn information in school that contradicts beliefs held by their parents or their religion.
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Indicate whether the statement is true or false
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