Answer to Question #103288 in Sociology for Nadia Myburgh

Question

Functionalists argue that for societies to survive and develop there needs to be some agreement or consensus on norms and values. Briefly discuss whether you think we have agreement on norms and values in schools

Answer 1

Functionalists argument on society's survival and development is based on the concept of norms and values that must be agreed upon by the members of the society. With respect to this, schools can be viewed as a society composed of students and teachers whose interaction is meant to enhance survival and development. To my argumentation, I believe that schools have a consensus on values and norms to be used because student behaviors are governed by a set of rules just as professional laws also guide teachers’ relationships with students and other teachers. With such rules, a conducive environment is created for students to learn continuously and teachers to practice their profession effectively. In the long run, with both parties being able to achieve their goals, school as a society can develop collectively.