Sociology Paper 1:
Education 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Functionalist View of Education -passes on norms and values
-sorts people into appropriate job roles (allocation function)
-teaches skills needed by work and in economy
Durkheim Education passes on norms and values to integrate people into society. It reinforces
social cohesion and strengthens social solidarity
Parsons School is a bridge between the family and the adult roles of society. It selects
people into appropriate roles because it is meritocratic
Davis and Moore Society sorts its members into different positions; principles of stratification (e.g.
unequal rewards) motivate people to train for top positions
Meritocracy A system where the best (most talented and hard-working) people rise to the top
Marxist View of Education -prepares children for world of work
-passes on ruling class ideology that supports capitalism
-legitimises inequality
Bowles and Gintis Hidden curriculum prepares people for work by teaching them adult norms
(hierarchy, subservience is rewarded)
Althusser Education is part of the ideological state apparatus that passes on false belief that
society is fair; it legitimises inequality and creates an obedient workforce that do not
challenge authority
Ideological State Apparatus Institutions that spread the ideology of the state (education system, church, media)
Criticisms of Functionalist Viewpoint -doesn't look at processes within school (micro approach)
-differential achievement in terms of class, gender and ethnicity disproves
meritocracy
-allocation function not working (who you know more important than what you know)
-people not adequately prepared for work (failing to produce what employers need)
-ignores how education could serve needs of particular groups' ideologies and
values
Criticisms of Marxist Viewpoint -doesn't look at processes within school (micro approach)
-too deterministic (assumes working-class are passive victims)
-people are aware of educational inequalities and don't think they're legitimate
Feminist View of Education -hidden curriculum reinforces gender differences
-gender differences in subject choice show how gender stereotyping may still exist
-men dominate top positions in schools
Education 2026 | Study
Guide, Practice Questions,
Answers, Rationales &
Exam Review
Updated Questions and Answers
100% Verified Exam Prep and Comprehensive
Rationales
Included
, Functionalist View of Education -passes on norms and values
-sorts people into appropriate job roles (allocation function)
-teaches skills needed by work and in economy
Durkheim Education passes on norms and values to integrate people into society. It reinforces
social cohesion and strengthens social solidarity
Parsons School is a bridge between the family and the adult roles of society. It selects
people into appropriate roles because it is meritocratic
Davis and Moore Society sorts its members into different positions; principles of stratification (e.g.
unequal rewards) motivate people to train for top positions
Meritocracy A system where the best (most talented and hard-working) people rise to the top
Marxist View of Education -prepares children for world of work
-passes on ruling class ideology that supports capitalism
-legitimises inequality
Bowles and Gintis Hidden curriculum prepares people for work by teaching them adult norms
(hierarchy, subservience is rewarded)
Althusser Education is part of the ideological state apparatus that passes on false belief that
society is fair; it legitimises inequality and creates an obedient workforce that do not
challenge authority
Ideological State Apparatus Institutions that spread the ideology of the state (education system, church, media)
Criticisms of Functionalist Viewpoint -doesn't look at processes within school (micro approach)
-differential achievement in terms of class, gender and ethnicity disproves
meritocracy
-allocation function not working (who you know more important than what you know)
-people not adequately prepared for work (failing to produce what employers need)
-ignores how education could serve needs of particular groups' ideologies and
values
Criticisms of Marxist Viewpoint -doesn't look at processes within school (micro approach)
-too deterministic (assumes working-class are passive victims)
-people are aware of educational inequalities and don't think they're legitimate
Feminist View of Education -hidden curriculum reinforces gender differences
-gender differences in subject choice show how gender stereotyping may still exist
-men dominate top positions in schools
