Question 1: Define the term 'socialisation' and explain how education contributes to this process.

Answer: Socialisation is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the norms, values, and behaviors of their society. Education contributes by teaching students societal rules, cultural values, and social skills.

Question 2: Identify and briefly describe two functions of education identified by functionalist sociologists.

Answer: Two functions are: 1) Social Solidarity – promoting unity and shared values among members of society; 2) Role Allocation – sorting individuals into roles and careers based on ability and merit.

Question 3: Describe how education can act as a form of social control.

Answer: Education enforces societal norms and expectations through rules, discipline, and the curriculum, helping to maintain order and conformity within society.

Question 4: Explain the concept of 'cultural capital' as proposed by Pierre Bourdieu and its relevance to education.

Answer: Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets like knowledge, skills, and cultural tastes that give individuals advantages in education and society. It affects students' success based on their cultural background.

Question 5: Discuss one criticism of the functionalist view that education primarily serves society’s needs.

Answer: A criticism is that it overlooks inequalities and suggests that education solely promotes social harmony, ignoring how it can reproduce social inequalities and privilege certain groups.

Question 6: Identify and explain one way in which education can reinforce social inequality.

Answer: Education can reinforce inequality through the hidden curriculum, which often perpetuates class, gender, or racial stereotypes and biases, giving advantages to some groups over others.

Question 7: Imagine you are asked to design a new school curriculum that promotes equality. Sketch a rough outline of this curriculum, including at least three key subjects or activities.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a curriculum that includes subjects like multicultural studies, anti-discrimination workshops, and community service projects, emphasizing diversity and social cohesion.

Question 8: Describe the 'hidden curriculum' and give an example of how it might influence students’ attitudes.

Answer: The hidden curriculum refers to the implicit lessons taught in schools, such as discipline, hierarchy, and conformity. For example, students learn obedience and respect for authority through classroom routines.

Question 9: Explain the concept of 'meritocracy' in education and critically assess its implications.

Answer: Meritocracy is the idea that success in education is based on ability and effort. Critically, it can ignore structural inequalities that prevent some students from having equal opportunities.

Question 10: Draw a simple diagram illustrating the relationship between social class and educational achievement. Label the axes and key points.

Answer: A correct diagram would have 'Social Class' on the x-axis, ranging from working class to middle/upper class, and 'Educational Achievement' on the y-axis, showing higher achievement levels correlating with higher social class. The diagram might include a line or bars indicating this trend.