Final answer:
Functionalists see education as critical for society, performing both intended manifest functions such as socialization and preparing for adult roles, and unintended latent functions like imparting individualism and taking over familial roles. This sociological perspective underscores the role of education in maintaining societal stability and continuity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functionalists view education as a central social institution that performs crucial functions for society, including both manifest and latent functions. Manifest functions are the intended and visible outcomes of education, such as socialization, preparing students for their adult roles in society, and teaching societal norms and values. Socialization is identified as a key function, where students learn to navigate and engage with social roles and societal expectations. The work of sociologist Émile Durkheim highlights that schools act as socialization agencies that prepare children for future economic roles.
Latent functions, on the other hand, include the unintended and less obvious outcomes that education brings about, such as the development of a sense of individualism in the United States, which contrasts with group-focused values in countries like Japan and China. Schools in contemporary society have also taken over certain functions from the family, such as teaching about human sexuality, budgeting, and job application skills. Another latent function is the sorting mechanism where students are classified based on academic potential, leading to different educational tracks towards higher education or vocational training.
In this way, functionalists see education as essential for maintaining social cohesion and enabling the smooth operation of society, by imparting both culture and key values, while simultaneously meeting the society's and individuals' needs. Education thus supports the society's needs by equipping individuals to fulfill future roles that contribute to societal stability and development.