HED4809
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: MAY 2026
,HED4809 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE MAY 2026
QUESTION 1
According to the Functionalist theory, the main role of schooling is to:
1.1 B
1.2 B
1.3 C
1.4 C
1.5 C
QUESTION 2
2.1 Functionalism and schooling
Functionalism views society as a system of interrelated parts, analogous to a biological
organism, where each part serves a function to maintain the whole (Lesson 2, p. 9).
From this perspective, schooling plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and
stability.
Socialisation
Schools are responsible for transmitting shared values, norms, and beliefs from one
generation to the next. Functionalists argue that through formal and informal processes,
, learners internalise the core values of society, such as respect for authority, punctuality,
and competition. As Feinberg and Soltis (2009, p. 13) explain, in complex modern
societies, a formal structure like compulsory public education is required to achieve
what simpler societies accomplish informally through family and community.
Stability
Schools contribute to social stability by promoting social integration and solidarity. They
create a common identity and reduce social conflict by teaching a shared value system.
For example, through a national curriculum and rituals such as flag ceremonies or
national anthems, schools unite diverse groups into a cohesive whole (Lesson 2, p. 14).
The functionalist case studies on educational reform show that schools serve the
function of social integration by overcoming tribal loyalties and establishing a single
national identity (Feinberg & Soltis, 2009, pp. 19-22).
Manifest and latent functions
Manifest functions are the intended, overt goals of schooling, such as teaching
academic knowledge and skills e.g. literacy, mathematics, science. Latent functions are
the unintended, hidden consequences, such as teaching obedience to authority, forming
peer friendships, and providing childcare for working parents. Robert Merton (cited in
Lesson 3, p. 29) distinguished between these to show that institutions have both
obvious and subtle effects. While the manifest function is to educate, the latent function
is to socialise learners into the norms of punctuality, discipline, and conformity, which
are essential for the modern workplace (Feinberg & Soltis, 2009, pp. 34-36).
2.2 Conflict Theory and schooling
Conflict (Marxist) theory argues that society is characterised by ongoing struggle
between different groups for power, status, and resources. Unlike functionalists, who
see schools as neutral institutions promoting equal opportunity, conflict theorists view
schools as instruments that serve the dominant class by reproducing existing social
inequalities (Lesson 4, p. 33).
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: MAY 2026
,HED4809 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE MAY 2026
QUESTION 1
According to the Functionalist theory, the main role of schooling is to:
1.1 B
1.2 B
1.3 C
1.4 C
1.5 C
QUESTION 2
2.1 Functionalism and schooling
Functionalism views society as a system of interrelated parts, analogous to a biological
organism, where each part serves a function to maintain the whole (Lesson 2, p. 9).
From this perspective, schooling plays a crucial role in maintaining social order and
stability.
Socialisation
Schools are responsible for transmitting shared values, norms, and beliefs from one
generation to the next. Functionalists argue that through formal and informal processes,
, learners internalise the core values of society, such as respect for authority, punctuality,
and competition. As Feinberg and Soltis (2009, p. 13) explain, in complex modern
societies, a formal structure like compulsory public education is required to achieve
what simpler societies accomplish informally through family and community.
Stability
Schools contribute to social stability by promoting social integration and solidarity. They
create a common identity and reduce social conflict by teaching a shared value system.
For example, through a national curriculum and rituals such as flag ceremonies or
national anthems, schools unite diverse groups into a cohesive whole (Lesson 2, p. 14).
The functionalist case studies on educational reform show that schools serve the
function of social integration by overcoming tribal loyalties and establishing a single
national identity (Feinberg & Soltis, 2009, pp. 19-22).
Manifest and latent functions
Manifest functions are the intended, overt goals of schooling, such as teaching
academic knowledge and skills e.g. literacy, mathematics, science. Latent functions are
the unintended, hidden consequences, such as teaching obedience to authority, forming
peer friendships, and providing childcare for working parents. Robert Merton (cited in
Lesson 3, p. 29) distinguished between these to show that institutions have both
obvious and subtle effects. While the manifest function is to educate, the latent function
is to socialise learners into the norms of punctuality, discipline, and conformity, which
are essential for the modern workplace (Feinberg & Soltis, 2009, pp. 34-36).
2.2 Conflict Theory and schooling
Conflict (Marxist) theory argues that society is characterised by ongoing struggle
between different groups for power, status, and resources. Unlike functionalists, who
see schools as neutral institutions promoting equal opportunity, conflict theorists view
schools as instruments that serve the dominant class by reproducing existing social
inequalities (Lesson 4, p. 33).
