A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What concept does Davies and Moore's theory center around in education?

1. Social preparation and lifelong learning

2. Role allocation based on ability and merit

3. Universal access to education for all

4. Promotion of a globalized educational curriculum

The correct answer is: Role allocation based on ability and merit

Davies and Moore's theory focuses on the idea of role allocation based on ability and merit, which is central to their functionalist perspective on education. They argue that education serves as a mechanism for selecting and training individuals to fill the roles necessary for society to function effectively. According to them, educational institutions assess students' abilities and talents, leading to the distribution of individuals into different roles according to their capabilities. This system promotes meritocracy, where success and advancement are determined by individual effort and ability rather than ascriptive factors such as social class or background. This understanding of education emphasizes that it plays a crucial role in sorting individuals into appropriate positions within the social structure, thus contributing to social order and stability. It also supports the notion that education should promote individuals based on their potential, ensuring that the most capable individuals attain the most demanding roles in society, which is fundamental to the functioning of a meritocratic system.