What is a common criticism of functionalist explanations of education and inequality?

• A. They overemphasize conflict and ignore consensus
• B. They attribute inequality to biological differences
• C. They overlook how power and inequality shape educational outcomes
• D. They solely focus on family background

Answer: (C)

Functionalists see education as promoting social order and a meritocratic flow of opportunities. The common criticism is that this view misses how those in power shape schooling and its outcomes, so inequality is reproduced rather than challenged. In practice, factors like funding, tracking, and a hidden curriculum reflect class, race, and gender hierarchies, giving advantages to some groups and disadvantaging others. Because of this, education is not a neutral equalizer, but a system that reinforces existing power relations. The other ideas miss this key point: they either focus on conflict instead of consensus, blame biology, or claim family background alone explains outcomes.