Consensus Theories of
Education in Sociology
2026 | Study Guide,
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,What is the primary function of education according to To promote social solidarity and integrate individuals into society.
Durkheim?
How does Parsons view the role of education in society? As a bridge between family and society, teaching universalistic values and
preparing individuals for their roles in the wider community.
What is the main argument of the Davis and Moore thesis That education serves to select and allocate individuals to appropriate roles in
regarding education? society based on their abilities, ensuring that the most talented individuals fill the
most important positions.
What is the New Right perspective on education? That education should promote competition and choice, emphasizing the
importance of market principles and parental choice in improving educational
standards.
According to Durkheim, what role does education play in It instills a sense of discipline and moral values, which are essential for social
moral development? cohesion.
What concept does Parsons introduce to explain the Meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts.
evaluation of students in education?
How do Davis and Moore justify the inequality produced by They argue that inequality is necessary to motivate individuals to strive for higher
education? positions, which benefits society as a whole.
What is the primary focus of the AQA A Level Sociology To support teaching and learning based on the AQA specification.
Education companion?
List the main sections covered in the AQA A Level Consensus theories, conflict theories, differential achievement by social class,
Sociology Education companion. gender, ethnicity, relationships and processes within schools, educational policies.
What are the three main functions of education according Secondary socialisation, role allocation, providing necessary skills for the economy.
to functionalists?
Who argued that education provides secondary Emile Durkheim.
socialisation?
What is secondary socialisation? The process of learning universal norms and values shared by broader society, as
opposed to family-specific norms.
, How does Durkheim differentiate between mechanical and Mechanical solidarity is based on close-knit communities with shared norms, while
organic solidarity? organic solidarity arises in complex societies requiring interdependence.
What role does education play in instilling social solidarity It teaches children to see themselves as part of a larger society and to work towards
according to Durkheim? common goals.
What is the significance of teaching social rules in It helps children learn to interact within a set of rules, limiting deviance and
schools? promoting self-discipline.
What kind of skills does Durkheim believe education Specialist skills necessary for functioning in a complex industrial society.
teaches?
How do Marxists critique Durkheim's views on education? They argue that shared values serve the interests of the powerful and question the
neutrality of these norms.
What is the meritocratic view of the education system? The belief that the education system rewards individuals based on their abilities and
efforts, rather than their social background.
What does 'making the link' refer to in the context of Exploring connections between content in different modules of sociology.
sociology education?
What are AQA's core themes applied in the education Socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power, and stratification.
section?
What is the purpose of including evaluation of theories in To prepare students for exam-style questions and critical analysis of sociological
the education companion? perspectives.
What does Durkheim suggest about the necessity of It is essential for teaching shared values and skills needed for complex social roles.
education in modern industrial societies?
What does the term 'norms' refer to in sociology? Behaviors and attitudes considered normal within a society.
What does the term 'values' refer to in sociology? Things that people consider important to them.
Education in Sociology
2026 | Study Guide,
Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
,What is the primary function of education according to To promote social solidarity and integrate individuals into society.
Durkheim?
How does Parsons view the role of education in society? As a bridge between family and society, teaching universalistic values and
preparing individuals for their roles in the wider community.
What is the main argument of the Davis and Moore thesis That education serves to select and allocate individuals to appropriate roles in
regarding education? society based on their abilities, ensuring that the most talented individuals fill the
most important positions.
What is the New Right perspective on education? That education should promote competition and choice, emphasizing the
importance of market principles and parental choice in improving educational
standards.
According to Durkheim, what role does education play in It instills a sense of discipline and moral values, which are essential for social
moral development? cohesion.
What concept does Parsons introduce to explain the Meritocracy, where individuals are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts.
evaluation of students in education?
How do Davis and Moore justify the inequality produced by They argue that inequality is necessary to motivate individuals to strive for higher
education? positions, which benefits society as a whole.
What is the primary focus of the AQA A Level Sociology To support teaching and learning based on the AQA specification.
Education companion?
List the main sections covered in the AQA A Level Consensus theories, conflict theories, differential achievement by social class,
Sociology Education companion. gender, ethnicity, relationships and processes within schools, educational policies.
What are the three main functions of education according Secondary socialisation, role allocation, providing necessary skills for the economy.
to functionalists?
Who argued that education provides secondary Emile Durkheim.
socialisation?
What is secondary socialisation? The process of learning universal norms and values shared by broader society, as
opposed to family-specific norms.
, How does Durkheim differentiate between mechanical and Mechanical solidarity is based on close-knit communities with shared norms, while
organic solidarity? organic solidarity arises in complex societies requiring interdependence.
What role does education play in instilling social solidarity It teaches children to see themselves as part of a larger society and to work towards
according to Durkheim? common goals.
What is the significance of teaching social rules in It helps children learn to interact within a set of rules, limiting deviance and
schools? promoting self-discipline.
What kind of skills does Durkheim believe education Specialist skills necessary for functioning in a complex industrial society.
teaches?
How do Marxists critique Durkheim's views on education? They argue that shared values serve the interests of the powerful and question the
neutrality of these norms.
What is the meritocratic view of the education system? The belief that the education system rewards individuals based on their abilities and
efforts, rather than their social background.
What does 'making the link' refer to in the context of Exploring connections between content in different modules of sociology.
sociology education?
What are AQA's core themes applied in the education Socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power, and stratification.
section?
What is the purpose of including evaluation of theories in To prepare students for exam-style questions and critical analysis of sociological
the education companion? perspectives.
What does Durkheim suggest about the necessity of It is essential for teaching shared values and skills needed for complex social roles.
education in modern industrial societies?
What does the term 'norms' refer to in sociology? Behaviors and attitudes considered normal within a society.
What does the term 'values' refer to in sociology? Things that people consider important to them.
