Evaluate the contribution of functionalist sociologists to our understanding of the role of the education system in society.

Functionalist sociologists see the education system as a vital social institution in modern society. They argue that the education system exists to perform a range of essential functions for individuals, for institutions such as the economy, and for wider society. Functionalists regard these functions as positive ones that enable society to operate efficiently, fairly and without conflict. However, other sociologists criticise the functionalists for wrongly assuming that education serves the interests of society as a whole.