Which is a criticism of functionalist views on education?

• A. They ignore inequalities that exist in education.
• B. They claim education is only about reducing inequality.
• C. They fully account for class differences.
• D. They deny education socialises.

Answer: (A)

Functionalists view education as helping society run smoothly: it promotes shared values, social solidarity, and a fair system of sorting students into roles based on ability. They tend to present schooling as meritocratic, where success reflects individual effort and talent, and where education helps reduce differences by providing equal opportunities.

The main criticism is that this perspective glosses over real inequalities that exist in education. In practice, factors like family background, class, ethnicity, and gender shape what students can achieve. Things like streaming, tracking, uneven funding, and the influence of cultural capital mean that not everyone starts from the same place or has the same chances inside schools. So, while functionalists emphasize harmony and meritocracy, they’re seen as underestimating how much education reproduces social inequality rather than erasing it.

The other statements don’t fit this view. Functionalists don’t claim education is only about reducing inequality, and they don’t say they fully account for class differences; they also do see schooling as a form of socialization, so denying that would be misleading.