Which perspective sees education as key to social integration?

Functionalism views education as essential for social integration because it serves several foundational purposes in society. One of the primary roles of education, according to functionalists, is to promote social cohesion and a sense of shared values among individuals in a society. Schools not only impart knowledge and skills but also socialize students into the cultural norms and expectations that are essential for the functioning of society.

By teaching a common curriculum and fostering interactions among diverse groups, education helps to create a collective identity. This is particularly important in modern, complex societies where individuals come from various backgrounds. Through education, students learn about social norms, ethics, and the importance of collaboration, which contributes to the stability and unity of society as a whole.

In contrast, other perspectives like conflict theory emphasize the divisions and inequalities inherent in the educational system, focusing on how education can perpetuate social stratification rather than promote integration. Feminism typically critiques the ways gender roles are reinforced in education, while symbolic interactionism focuses on the micro-level interactions and meanings within the educational setting, rather than the broader function of education in social integration.