Question 1: Define the term 'socialisation' in the context of education. Why is education considered an important agent of socialisation?

Answer: Socialisation is the process by which individuals learn and internalise the norms, values, and beliefs of their society. Education is an important agent because it teaches students societal rules, promotes social cohesion, and helps them learn cultural expectations.

Question 2: Identify and explain two functionalist perspectives on the role of education in society.

Answer: Functionalists view education as performing essential functions such as socialising students to share common values and norms, and preparing them for their future roles in the workforce. It promotes social cohesion and helps maintain social stability.

Question 3: Describe how the concept of 'role allocation' works within the education system according to functionalist theory.

Answer: Role allocation refers to the process by which education assigns individuals to different social roles and jobs based on their abilities and merits, helping society function efficiently by placing the right people in the right positions.

Question 4: Explain one criticism of the view that education primarily serves the needs of society as a whole.

Answer: A criticism is that education can reinforce social inequality by privileging students from higher social classes, which may limit opportunities for students from less privileged backgrounds.

Question 5: Discuss how education can contribute to social mobility. Provide two ways this might occur.

Answer: Education can promote social mobility by providing individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds with the qualifications needed to access higher-paying jobs, and by offering opportunities for personal development and skill acquisition that enable upward movement within society.

Question 6: Identify and describe one way in which education might reinforce social inequality.

Answer: Education can reinforce social inequality through streaming or setting students based on ability, often resulting in students from higher social backgrounds being placed in higher streams, which limits opportunities for less privileged students.

Question 7: Sketch a diagram that illustrates the concept of the 'hidden curriculum' in schools. Label your diagram clearly and explain what the 'hidden curriculum' refers to.

Answer: The sketch should depict a classroom setting with a teacher and students. Arrows can point to unspoken lessons such as obedience, discipline, and conformity. The explanation: The 'hidden curriculum' refers to the informal lessons students learn about norms, values, and social expectations that are not part of the official curriculum.

Question 8: Describe one example of how educational achievement can be influenced by social class.

Answer: Students from higher social classes often have access to better resources, tutoring, and supportive environments, which can lead to higher academic achievement compared to students from lower social classes.

Question 9: Explain the concept of 'cultural capital' and how it might affect a student’s success in education.

Answer: Cultural capital refers to non-financial social assets such as language, attitudes, and knowledge that can give students an advantage in educational settings. Students with higher cultural capital are often better equipped to succeed because they are more familiar with the norms and expectations of the education system.

Question 10: Identify two ways in which schools might promote social cohesion among students.

Answer: Schools promote social cohesion by encouraging teamwork and group activities, and by teaching shared values such as respect and tolerance through the curriculum and school policies.