Question 1

Some argue that U.S. education is not promoting the high-level skills in reading, writing, science, and mathematics that are needed in the workplace and the global economy. From the functionalist perspective this is considered a(n) __________.

Accepted Answer

From a functionalist perspective, education is considered a social institution that serves the purpose of preparing individuals for their roles in society, including the workforce. If U.S. education is not promoting the high-level skills necessary for success in the workplace and the global economy, then it is seen as a dysfunction or negative consequence of the system.

Question 2

Schools help to identify the most qualified people to fill available positions in society by channeling students into programs based on their ability and academic achievement. This is the manifest function of education termed __________.

Accepted Answer

The manifest function of education that is described in the question is social placement, which involves schools identifying and directing students towards careers and positions that match their abilities and academic achievements. The other options - change and innovation, transmission of culture, and social control - refer to other manifest functions of education.

Question 3

Early in the twentieth century, all states passed mandatory education laws that require children to ________________.

Accepted Answer

Early in the twentieth century, all states passed mandatory education laws that require children to attend school until they reach a certain age or complete a minimum level of education. This means that children are required to receive an education for a certain number of years before they are allowed to leave school.

Question 4

Over time, new educational programs are introduced to meet societal needs. Programs such as sex education, drug education, and multicultural studies have been implemented to teach students about pressing social issues. These examples illustrate the manifest function of education called______________ .

Accepted Answer

The manifest function of education called change and innovation refers to the introduction of new educational programs to meet societal needs, which is exemplified by the introduction of sex education, drug education, and multicultural studies. Socialization, transmission of culture, and social placement refer to other manifest functions of education.

Question 5

Some functions of education are ______________, which are open, stated, and intended goals or consequences of activities within an organization or institution.

Accepted Answer

Manifest functions are the open, stated, and intended goals or consequences of activities within an organization or institution. Therefore, the best choice is manifest functions.

Question 6

Students may learn information in school that contradicts beliefs held by their parents or their religion. Debates over the content of textbooks and library books typically center on information that parents deem unacceptable for their children. This illustrates the latent function of education known as______________ .

Accepted Answer

The latent function of education known as the creation of a generation gap refers to the idea that children may come to hold beliefs and values that contradict those of their parents or earlier generations. This can lead to conflict and tension between different age groups. This is illustrated in the scenario described, where students may learn information that contradicts their parents' beliefs or religion, leading to debates over the content of textbooks and library books.

Question 7

Education is the social institution responsible for the systematic transmission of ______________within a formally organized structure.

Accepted Answer

Education is responsible for transmitting knowledge, skills, and cultural values systematically in a structured manner. While technical skills and training may be a part of education, it is not the sole purpose. Cultural values and beliefs are also transmitted through education, but knowledge and skills are more emphasized. Therefore, the best choice is A.

Question 8

Education keeps students off the street and out of the full-time job market for a number of years, keeping levels of unemployment within reasonable bounds. This is an example of a latent function of education the text terms __________.

Accepted Answer

The latent function described is "restricting some activities," which refers to the unintended, indirect effects of education such as keeping students occupied and out of the full-time job market, thereby affecting unemployment levels.

Question 9

A(n) ______________function in education includes teaching specific subjects, such as science, mathematics, reading, history, and English.

Accepted Answer

A manifest function is an intended and recognized consequence of an institution, such as education. Teaching specific subjects is a clear and recognized function of education. Extrinsic refers to external motivation or reward, intrinsic refers to internal motivation or reward, and latent functions are unintended or unrecognized consequences.

Question 10

Education serves five major manifest functions in society, including______________ .

Accepted Answer

Education serves the manifest function of transmitting culture by passing on knowledge, values, and beliefs to the next generation. It does not provide child care, function as a matchmaking service, or organize athletic events (although it may include physical education).

Question 11

Because schools bring together people of similar ages, social class, and race/ethnicity, young people often meet future marriage partners. This latent function of education results in ______________.

Accepted Answer

The latent function of education mentioned in the question is the creation of potential marriage partners and social networks. Option A is incorrect as it refers to a different concept. Option B is incorrect as it refers to the manifest function of education (i.e. transmitting culture). Option D is incorrect as it does not relate to the concept mentioned in the question.

Question 12

Both religion and education______________ .

Accepted Answer

Both religion and education are social institutions that impart values, beliefs, and knowledge considered essential to the social reproduction of society and the individual. Religion often focuses on moral and ethical beliefs, while education provides knowledge and skills for individuals to participate in society.

Question 13

______________theorists believe that education is an important part of society because it contributes to social stability and provides people with an opportunity for self-enhancement and upward social mobility.

Accepted Answer

Functionalist theorists view education as a crucial element in maintaining social order by promoting shared values and beliefs, preparing individuals for their future roles in society, and providing opportunities for personal and social development. They also believe that education helps individuals to move up the social ladder, which is important for a stable and prosperous society.

Question 14

In the absence of a constitutional amendment, issues relating to the separation of church and state, including religious instruction in public schools, are ultimately constitutional issues that are decided by______________ .

Accepted Answer

The U.S. Supreme Court is the ultimate authority when it comes to interpreting the U.S. Constitution, including issues related to the separation of church and state. They have dealt with many cases regarding religious instruction in public schools and have set precedents for how these types of issues are handled.

Question 15

An important function of education is ______________, which involves teaching students values such as discipline, respect, obedience, and punctuality.

Accepted Answer

Social control involves the regulation and guidance of behavior in society, which includes teaching values and norms that promote discipline, respect, obedience, and punctuality. This helps individuals become responsible citizens who are able to adhere and contribute positively to society's standards and expectations.

Question 16

Schools play an active part in the process of assimilation, whereby recent immigrants learn dominant values, attitudes, and behavior of society. This is an aspect of the manifest function of education referred to as __________.

Accepted Answer

The transmission of culture is the manifest function of education that involves teaching the dominant values, attitudes, and behaviors of a society to new members, including recent immigrants.

Question 17

Religious fundamentalism now only appeals to people who have lower incomes, live in rural areas, and have lower levels of educational attainment.

Accepted Answer

Religious fundamentalism can appeal to individuals across various income levels, urban and rural settings, and educational backgrounds. Its appeal is not limited by socio-economic status but is influenced by a complex mix of personal, cultural, and social factors.

Question 18

According to the functionalist perspective, all social institutions, including education, have functions that are hidden, unstated, and sometimes unintended consequences of their activities. These are termed______________ .

Accepted Answer

The term "latent functions" refers to the hidden, unstated, and sometimes unintended consequences of social institutions such as education, according to the functionalist perspective. The other answer choices do not accurately describe this concept. "Manifest functions" refer to the intended and recognized consequences, while "intrinsic functions" and "extrinsic functions" are not commonly used terms in functionalist theory.

Question 19

From kindergarten through college, schools teach students the student role as well as other important information about society. Which of the following manifest functions of education does this describe?

Accepted Answer

Socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn about societal norms, values, and roles. Schools play a significant role in teaching students the student role as well as other societal expectations. This starts in kindergarten and continues through college.

Question 20

Early sociologist ______________saw the responsibility of education as teaching a commitment to a shared social morality. In this way, education is crucial for promoting solidarity and stability in society.

Accepted Answer

Emile Durkheim believed that education plays a critical role in promoting social solidarity and stability by instilling a shared set of moral beliefs and values in students. In his view, education helps to create a sense of collective consciousness and a commitment to the common good, which are essential for maintaining social order.

Quiz 13: Politics and the Economy in Global Perspective