AQA GCSE Sociology · 8192

The School Class as a Social System by Parsons

What you need to know

Explain Parsons' functionalist view that schools act as a bridge between the family and wider society.
Understand how schools socialize children using universalistic standards, contrasting with the particularistic standards of the family.
Evaluate criticisms of the functionalist perspective, particularly regarding the illusion of meritocracy and equal opportunity.