Assess the Usefulness of the Functionalist Perspective on Education

The Functionalist perspective argues that education has three broad functions. These are Secondary Socialisation which is socialising young people into key cultural values. Skill provision this suggests that education teaches the skill required by a modern industrial society and Role allocation this is the allocation of jobs to suit a particular person and their talents.
Functionalists argue that education is positive in helping society to functions because it provides a value consensus and social solidarity. Davis and Moore state that education should be meritocratic, this means that there is equal opportunity in education for all. …