Sociological Theories and the Impact They Have on Education
Sociological Theories and the Impact They Have on Education
SOC 101
Professor Jessica Lee
October 3, 2011
Abstract
G. K. Chesterton once said, “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” Since the beginning of human existence, education has played a major role in society. There have always been individual views on what education contributes to society and whether an education is necessary for society to survive.
Sociological Theories and the Impact They Have on Education Education is the cornerstone of modern society. It is the vehicle we use to pass along our knowledge and culture to our future generations. In order for us to better understand our educational system; we must exam it from multiple perspectives instead of looking at it one-sided. These perspectives are the functionalist, conflict, and interactionism perspectives. We will explore the differences and similarities in the functionalist, conflict, and interactionism theories of education as well as their effect on individual views, approach to social change, and views of society within education. The functionalist theory focuses on ways education caters and contributes to the needs of society. Functionalists first see education as a means of conveying basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. From a functionalist perspective, education is an interrelated yet independent element that benefits society as a whole. Education selects and prepares individuals for their future roles in society. Talcott Parsons say that this benefits the individual as well as society. Education provides value consensus and social solidarity which is certainly positive in helping society to function. Functionally speaking, education serves as a venue to transmit culture and skills. “Schools supplement the family by passing on to youngsters’ important elements of their
SOC 101
Professor Jessica Lee
October 3, 2011
Abstract
G. K. Chesterton once said, “Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” Since the beginning of human existence, education has played a major role in society. There have always been individual views on what education contributes to society and whether an education is necessary for society to survive.
Sociological Theories and the Impact They Have on Education Education is the cornerstone of modern society. It is the vehicle we use to pass along our knowledge and culture to our future generations. In order for us to better understand our educational system; we must exam it from multiple perspectives instead of looking at it one-sided. These perspectives are the functionalist, conflict, and interactionism perspectives. We will explore the differences and similarities in the functionalist, conflict, and interactionism theories of education as well as their effect on individual views, approach to social change, and views of society within education. The functionalist theory focuses on ways education caters and contributes to the needs of society. Functionalists first see education as a means of conveying basic knowledge and skills to the next generation. From a functionalist perspective, education is an interrelated yet independent element that benefits society as a whole. Education selects and prepares individuals for their future roles in society. Talcott Parsons say that this benefits the individual as well as society. Education provides value consensus and social solidarity which is certainly positive in helping society to function. Functionally speaking, education serves as a venue to transmit culture and skills. “Schools supplement the family by passing on to youngsters’ important elements of their
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