1. Item D

According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, the main function of education was passing on society’s norms and values. He believed that subjects like history reinforce shared norms and values, encouraging children to see themselves as part of society.

In Durkheim’s view, rules should be strictly enforced in order for children to learn self-discipline and to understand that misbehaviour damages society as a whole. He argued that by experiencing sanctions at school and by respecting the school rules, children learn to respect rules in society.

Source: Durkheim, E, Moral Education, 1925

From Item D, identify and describe one way in which Durkheim believed education to be important to society, including what you know of his perspective on education.