The reproduction of the cultural system as a social function of higher education

The paper deals with the problems of studying, explaining and interpreting the social functions of higher education. In this context, the reproduction of the cultural system is the key issue. The problems of this social function of education are determined from the standpoint of the structural and functional analysis which considers the education system as the initial principle of social and cultural approach. The study demonstrates the shortcomings of the simplified structural and functional analysis of higher education. The research is based on general and specific scientific research methods, including the above-mentioned structural and functional approach, and the techniques which are typical for the study of social institutions and processes. The key findings of the research demonstrate that the qualification function of higher education is justified as a reproduction of the cultural system that is to be implemented and assimilated in order to ensure the participation of modern people in public life.