...Essay: Evaluate the role of education in society. Consider issue of gender in your response. Also, consider how such factors may impact on a person’s life chances. This essay will examine the role of education in society and an analysis of inequality in relation to Gender. It will discuss briefly education and examine the different theoretical approaches to education followed by an analysis of inequality using information on statistics of inequality in British education in relation to gender and attainment. This essay will Identify and evaluate key policy developments in education provision designed to bridge the gap of gender inequality in British education. The role of education in society has been among the major issues in contemporary sociological and political debate. According to Iannelli and Paterson (2005) education is a major factor that helps determine the jobs and social class positions of individuals in society. As an institution of sociology, education plays a dominant role in transmitting prevalent ideologies of society by providing pupils with the curriculum and hidden curriculum as well as the skills that will prepare them physically, mentally and socially for their life chances (Clark 2005). Educational institutions play a very important role in reducing social inequalities. Over the last century British schools experienced very important changes and moved from a selective system to a comprehensive one in the 1960s and 70s. Much research has shown that the...
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...The Impact of Sociological Theories in Education SOC101 Sheila Schmitz May 7, 2012 Education is the key to success in a person’s life. Not being educated people would be hurting just to try and get through day to day life situations. There are three main theories that help with understanding education and that is functionalist theory, the conflict theory, and the interactionist theory. Theory helps us comprehend why different groups may disagree about how they view social problems, but why they all believe they are right (Vissing, Y., 2011, Chap 1.6). Education could be the difference from getting a low paying job or a high paying job. Education also plays a huge role in helping you to understand things better, it helps your social skills, the way people view you and also the way you view yourself. Functionalism Functionalism approach held that all social structures (institutions or stable units of society) exist because they fulfill some specific functions (Vissing, Y., 2011, Chap 1.6). They view schools as an institution to educate the next generation to give them the knowledge and skills to prepare the youth in their future occupational jobs and leadership roles. The functionalist theory also views all the ways education serves the need of society. Functionalists such as Parsons and Durkheim believe that the school environment is a microcosm (small version) of the adult occupational world and therefore prepare students for their future (Casey Kingsland...
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...Kristin Groomer Behavioral Theory Analysis Conflict Theory The Conflict Theory holds that crime results from conflict in society among the different social classes, and that laws actually arise from necessity as a result of conflict, rather than a general consensus (2014, 01). For the conflict theorist, the answer has to do with the balance of power and privilege in society. Everything from, material goods to quality education to religious freedom is in short supply, and therefore the typical relationship among groups in society are in competition and conflict. Conflict theorists are typically categorized according to which inequalities they prioritize (2014, 02). Deviance and Power, this theory suggests that who or what is labeled as deviant depends on who has the most power. The so called small “power elite” in our society are much less likely to carry the stigma of deviance than anyone else in t he community (2012, 01). Even if they have committed deviant behavior it is much less likely they will be labeled as deviant because of their power status. Consider a president of a company and a garbage truck driver,. They both get caught with heroin, it is most likely you will never hear about the president being caught because he has the money and power to get off lightly. The garbage truck driver however, will receive full punishment and everyone will know about it. Your social status goes a long...
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...Theories of Education Historically, American education served both political and economic needs, which dictated the function of education. Today, sociologists and educators debate the function of education. Three main theories represent their views: the functionalist theory, the conflict theory, and the symbolic interactionist theory. The functionalist theory The functionalist theory focuses on the ways that universal education serves the needs of society. Functionalists first see education in its manifest role: conveying basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. Durkheim (the founder of functionalist theory) identified the latent role of education as one of socializing people into society's mainstream. This “moral education,” as he called it, helped form a more‐cohesive social structure by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, which echoes the historical concern of “Americanizing” immigrants. Functionalists point to other latent roles of education such as transmission of core values and social control. The core values in American education reflect those characteristics that support the political and economic systems that originally fueled education. Therefore, children in America receive rewards for following schedules, following directions, meeting deadlines, and obeying authority. The most important value permeating the American classroom is individualism—the ideology that advocates the liberty rights, or independent action, of the individual...
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...FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITI SELANGOR BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (HONS) TESL CPS 2313 EDUCATION SOCIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT: THEORIES AND RESEARCH IN EDUCATION SOCIOLOGY PREPARED BY: MOHAMAD AZHAARI SHAH BIN SULAIMAN 4123003611 IZZAT WAZZIR IMAN BIN 4123000401 PREPARED FOR: TUAN HAJI BAGHAWI SARBINI 2.1 Definition of Educational Sociology Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) who is regarded as the ‘father’ of sociology of education clearly defines sociology of education as “a systematic study sociological perspective”. This definition of sociology of education is suitable because it speaks much of what goes on in education system. It clearly states that it is important to know sociology before knowing what sociology of education is. This is because sociology is related sociology of education. The statement “sociological perspective” stresses the social context in which people live such as society. Society is a group of people who share a certain culture and a territory. Perspective is a view of the world and it is referred to as a sociological preservative or sociological imagination. Durkheim’s statement helps us to understand that sociological perspective opens a window to another world or unfamiliar world. As we look at other world or our own, sociological imagination casts another form of light on us. This in return enables us to gain a new vision of social life. In other words it helps us to find out why people do what they do like...
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...‘Functional and Conflict Theories of Educational Stratification’ authored by Randall Collin, tries to find out reason for the cliché higher technical education is a solution for all professional problem of a person. It seeks to find out the reality behind an almost ritualized belief that higher technical education leads to prosperity and wealth by opening-up gates for elitist white-collar job. Hence there has been an increasing demand for the same all across the developed economies. A great deal of government wealth along with public wealth is being spent for technological education. It’s beheld as a vehicle for development of the individual and the state. Randall Collins is an American sociologist who is a professor at University of Pennsylvania, U.S. He believes that increased reliance on education for higher occupational attainment has turned education into a potential tool for social mobility as well as for social stratification in America. Hence he tries to find out the link between education and social stratification through a Functional and Conflict perspective as mentioned below. Technical-function theory Conflict theory Technical-function theory According to this theory social origins being a constant it is seen that the higher the number of years of education the more is the occupational attainment. The other implication is that technological advancements have led to the increase in skill requirements necessary for employment, and education system is reflecting just...
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...Educational Theories A social problem is when most individuals in a society agree a situation is present that jeopardizes the quality of their lives, their families, and their most prized possessions. The same society is also in agreement that something should be done to solve the social problem. The functionalist, conflict, and interactionist perspectives are the key sociological methods to studying these social problems (Pearson, 1995). The way the main social institutions actually operate is the way the functionalist perspective looks at these schools and society expects the school to generate well educated and skilled adults (Hernandez, 2007). The belief of functionalists is that the responsibility of the schools is to not only maintain social order but also maintain a universal set of principles and ideals that encourage social unity (Webb, Metha, & Jordan, 2010, p.193). Functionalists realize the need for education in society to function logically, disciplined, effectively and proficiently (Webb et al, 2010, p.193). “According to the functionalist perspective, the purpose of the school is to teach the economic, political, and cultural practices and norms of the dominant society” (Webb et al, 2010, p.193). Functionalist wish to find out the ways schools compare with other social institutions trying to understand how efficiently the school can actually teach its students. The plan is to find out the school is representing the neighboring residents in the schools...
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...various problems that we have in our public education system. The film follows several children on their quest to get accepted by different schools because if they continue down the path of public school they will fall behind and are far more likely to drop out. Problems in Education: One major problem that the film addresses quite thoroughly is the problem with school funding. Schools receive money from the state, and they are also funded by tax money from citizens who live in the communities. Typically in a neighborhood where the average home price is relatively high the school will often receive and spend more money per student than a school in a poor community. A school in a rich neighborhood will more often than not have newer and higher quality learning materials than a school in a low income community. This difference in income has a huge impact on the education students receive. For example, a “school in a poor neighborhood may be rundown, lack library and science facilities, have crowded classrooms, and be staffed with poorly trained teachers” (Macionis 350). In the film, they called these schools names such as “dropout factories” and “academic sinkholes”. The children in the movie were forced to attend these schools which put them at a huge disadvantage compared to kids who were able to attend a private school or even a decent public school. Another example that the film portrayed was how a rough home life affects a child’s education. “A research team led by Doug Downey...
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...Individuals in a Diverse Society February 20, 2013 Theories of the Family Structural Functionalism -Functionalist believe that everything and everybody in society has a role (a function) that makes society to run smoothly -It is a macro theory It focuses on institutions and structures existing in the society as whole Key Terms Function: The different parts of each society contributes positively to the operation or functioning of the system as a whole Institutions: Society is a system of social structures/institutions (economic, legal, education) -Each social systems has needs which are met by the structures and they are interconnected -Individuals and groups are constrained by these structures Interdependence: The roles taken on people, and the institutions and organizations of society are all interdependent and work together to ensure the smooth operation of society as a whole -A change in any one part affects others, requiring other parts to take account of changes, modify its actions, and adapt to any changes necessary Norms and Values: Individual behaviour is governed by social norms (most consistent behaviour in society) or rules that are generally accepted and agreed upon -These norms and values are consistent with the equilibrium state of society, or normal state of affairs -There are aspects of these norms that return the society to a normal state of affairs in the case of a disturbance- for example, sanctions, punishment, social approval and social disapproval ...
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...The symbolic interactionism theory sees the role of school as a place where the “labeling theory” is easily performed practically among the students themselves and between the teachers and the students as well. The issue of name calling do have much negative impact on the students that fall victim of failed tests or tasks, and there is come sense of bullying that comes from that as the failed students are reminded of their performance or the name the teacher called the student, this will now form a stigma for the student to overcome among his/her peers. Using the experience of Jeremy Iverson to describe this theory as it happens, he said: “One of the problems he identifies in his research is that of teachers applying labels that students are...
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...Sociological Theories In Education Introduction to Sociology Professor Whited Monday February 13th 2012 Education is often considered as the most important aspect of an individual’s life. Education essentially shapes a person’s future. Without an education, moreover a good education, in today’s economy people would struggle in everyday life just to make ends meet. In fact, according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent, on a survey taken by 11,437 people in January 2011, is 16.5%. That is a staggering 1,892 people who are unemployed because they do not have adequate education. Thus it is therefore evident that an education, or some education is paramount to a person’s success or accomplishments in life. There are three theories that help understand education. Although most view these theories as opinions, these theories support the need for education by allowing society to better understand education and they demonstrate or help identify what education really is. The three theories that are important for purposes of this paper are: Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism. These three theories play a vital role in helping understand education and why it is so important. Contrary to most beliefs, the theories previously mention are not simply one man’s opinions, rather they give a prime meaning to the necessity of education. Traditionally, American education has served...
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...mention gay/lesbian couples are now allowed to have a family. Due to the uniqueness of every family, there will be some kind of similarities among the other. Whichever family type it is, one will find different perspectives as it relates to a family institution. In this paper, you will read about how the three society theories: functionalism, conflict and social interaction affect and the effect it has on families. You will also gain knowledge to find that social institutions are the results of social actions and also the causes of social actions. Families can be seen as a norm in a social relationship. This tradition is conducted and reinforced by religion, politicians, mass media and other indoctrinated natives. The diversity of a family structure has changed over the twentieth century which now incorporates changes to divorce laws, the role that women plays in society and the consent and importance of family values. These changes increase the diversity of a family ranging from becoming a single parent family to reconstituted families thus caused by variance of culture and other groups in this society. Functionalism Theory The sociological theory of...
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...Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels developed in the mid-19th century. Originally, it consisted of three related ideas: a philosophical anthropology, a theory of history, and an economic and political programme. It’s about a concept of the class struggle and within it the theory of how people in a society develops and fall into certain categories due to the politics’ pressure. Marxism in Feminism: It talks about the rights of women, which has kept changing over the time, and along with it the Feminist theory and the freedom of women having the control of her own life and desires. Marxist Feminist mainly believes in the moral right or wrong in corruption of wage labour, which is caused by the oppression of women. And to understand the capitalist sources of this, Marxist theory is developed and applied into it. Strengths of Marxism: Marxist theory looks at society as a whole, therefore acknowledging all the social forces involved. It recognises the power interests of different groups. Is good at explaining conflict and change in society. Stresses the role of class struggle (conflict) within society between the proletariat (workers) and the bourgeoisie (owners). Recognises that society is organised under capitalism, in that the bourgeoisie aim to maximise profit by exploiting the proletariat. Weaknesses of Marxism: Marxist theory finds it difficult to explain the presence of certain phenomena (for example Kerry Katona has lots of money but is from a working class background)...
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...Institutions Utilizing The Conflict & Functional Methods Chanta Jackson Elizabethtown Community & Technical College As an American, in this thriving yet diverse society earlier on in education we are taught to define ourselves scholastically through high achieving grades, test scores, and athletic abilities. Individualism is soon expressed exposing the inner most parts of self, and we are then defined by those achievements. For example, athletic team activities are shifted more toward the leader bringing the team home for a win. Instead of applauding the collaborative efforts exerted during the game, the focus shifts on the individual who scored the most points. Left unsaid, winning becomes a fixation to our mentalities associated with accolades. Competition is pumped through our veins, and soon sears our conscience with a hot iron! In our culture, similar to the Japanese we embrace both theories of conflictive and functionalism theories. Durkheim (father founder of the functionalist theory) primary focus was on “moral education” meaning to implement a more permanent social structure by joining together people from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, he states that the role of education is one of identifying socialization into today’s society. The Functionalist theory focuses on education as a whole and also implements the basic skills essentials for education such as social placement, networking and sorting. The conflict theory views the purpose of education by maintaining social...
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...Perspective Paper: Conflict Perspective Team "B' SOC/101- Introduction to Sociology October 13, 2014 Angela Rudibaugh Sociological Perspective Paper: Conflict Perspective Recently I viewed a video named Three Cups of Tea. The video highlighted the works of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Greg Morrison’s work through bringing educational institution to girls across the world. The video has brought up points pertaining to conflict perspective theory of sociology covering two classes looking out for their own interest. The struggle between the two groups clearly shows a dominant and a submissive side. In the video men are portrayed as the dominant group, while women are the submissive group. This is made valid by Morrison’s comments throughout the video. The video Three cups of Tea is of a short interview of a man named Greg Morrison and his young daughter that discusses his humanitarian work. Morrison has built 78 schools for young girls in third world countries such as Afghanistan and Pakistan. Three cups of Tea is a book that is dedicated to helping spread his message; books not bombs. Morrison aims to educate young girls with the hope that they will grow up to make education a priority for their own children (NBC News Archives, 2010). The conflict perspective theory of sociology was developed by Karl Marx. In this theory “social injustice and uneven destitution of wealth give rise to criminological conditions.” (Conflict Perspective, 2011, para. 1). This theory is based on...
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