Which of the following is NOT a purpose of education from a structural functionalist perspective?

From a structural functionalist perspective, the primary purposes of education include selection and sorting individuals into roles that align with their abilities, socialization into societal norms and values, and job training to prepare individuals for their future roles in the workforce.

Selection and sorting refer to the way education helps identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, guiding them toward appropriate academic or vocational paths. Socialization involves teaching students the cultural norms and values necessary for functioning in society, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding. Job training equips individuals with specific skills required for various occupations, facilitating their transition into the workforce.

The notion of reinforcing social hierarchies, however, is generally associated with conflict theory rather than structural functionalism. While some may argue that education can serve to maintain existing social inequalities by privileging certain groups over others, structural functionalism primarily views education as a mechanism that contributes to the overall stability and smooth operation of society, rather than one that reinforces divisions. Thus, this understanding highlights why the reinforcement of social hierarchies does not align with the structural functionalist framework of education's purposes.