The Impact of Sociological Theories in Education
The Impact of Sociological Theories in Education
Crystal Taylor-Johnson
SOC101: Introduction to Sociology
Professor Christine Henderson
November 22, 2010
Education is the most important part of a person’s life. Without a good education people would struggle in everyday life just to be able to get by. There are three theories that help understand education. Even though most people feel theories are just someone’s opinions, education has many different theories that support it because these theories help people understand education better and these theories are all different but yet they help identify what education really is. The three theories that are important for people to know are Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism. These three theories play an important role in helping to understand education and why education is important. These theories are not just one man’s opinion; they give a prime meaning of what education is really about. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically….intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” Without sociological theories to help understand what education is all about and why education is important, we would not get the true identity of education. Education does not just help you with a better career, it also helps you with your social skills, your ability to understand things better, and most importantly it helps you to be able to identify yourself.
Functionalism
“Functionalist perspective is a sociological approach that emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.” (Richard Schaefer, 2009) Functionalists will focus on ways that universal education can serve the needs of society. The first thing that functionalist do is see education in its manifest role. They believe that education conveys knowledge and skills to the next generation. Emile Durkheim was the founder of
Crystal Taylor-Johnson
SOC101: Introduction to Sociology
Professor Christine Henderson
November 22, 2010
Education is the most important part of a person’s life. Without a good education people would struggle in everyday life just to be able to get by. There are three theories that help understand education. Even though most people feel theories are just someone’s opinions, education has many different theories that support it because these theories help people understand education better and these theories are all different but yet they help identify what education really is. The three theories that are important for people to know are Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism. These three theories play an important role in helping to understand education and why education is important. These theories are not just one man’s opinion; they give a prime meaning of what education is really about. Martin Luther King Jr. once said “the function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically….intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” Without sociological theories to help understand what education is all about and why education is important, we would not get the true identity of education. Education does not just help you with a better career, it also helps you with your social skills, your ability to understand things better, and most importantly it helps you to be able to identify yourself.
Functionalism
“Functionalist perspective is a sociological approach that emphasizes the way in which the parts of a society are structured to maintain its stability.” (Richard Schaefer, 2009) Functionalists will focus on ways that universal education can serve the needs of society. The first thing that functionalist do is see education in its manifest role. They believe that education conveys knowledge and skills to the next generation. Emile Durkheim was the founder of
References: CliffNotes.com. (2010). Theories of Education. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/topicArticleId-26957,articleId-26914.html King Jr., M.L. (n.d.). Education Quotes to Impart knowledge, Wisdom, and Deepen Understanding In All Arenas of Life Arenas of Life. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://famousquoteshomepage.com Shaefer, R.T. (2009). Sociology: A Brief Introduction 8th Edition. McGraw-Hill, New York, New York. Page 422, 420 and 423 Todd, J. (n.d.). Functional and Conflict Theory: Point of View. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://www.helium.com/items/779460-functional-and-conflict-theory-a-point-of-view Washington, B.T. (n.d.). Inspirational Educational Quotes for Students. Retrieved November 22, 2010 from http://www.successcds.net/student_quotes.htm