Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionalism in Neducation
Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education
Victoria Aronne
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Emily Frydrych
March 30, 2012
Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education The three theories I plan to discuss are Functionalism, Conflict, and Internationalism with education. The need for these theories is what actually makes the system in education work, with the teachers, parents, school boards and committees the institution of education continues to function. The first theory is Functionalism and is about the study by Lawrence Kohlberg. It has been forty-three years since Lawrence Kohlberg published his doctoral dissertation characterizing six stages of moral development and fourteen years since his death. [1] During this period, much has been written that has discredited stage theory and the overarching use of justice as a "first principle" of moral development. Yet Kohlberg's evolving moral theory continues to be used as a theoretical basis for moral development research and to influence teacher education. While some educators have dismissed Kohlberg's approach as wooden and "fossilized," it continues to be central to what teachers know about, and how they think about, moral development. [2] Indeed, one author suggests that "every psychology textbook published in the last quarter-century touches upon Kohlberg's work."[3] This consistent message, coupled with continued public talk about character development and moral education in schools, makes it likely that Kohlberg's stage theory continues to influence classroom practice, consciously and unconsciously, across the United States, Henry, (2001). By exposing the structural-functionalist roots of Kohlberg's theory, this essay raises concerns about the application of Kohlberg's ideas in the classroom. Fundamentally, Kohlberg focuses on individual development, a universal conception of justice, and universalizability do not translate well to the institutional-level application
Victoria Aronne
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
Instructor: Emily Frydrych
March 30, 2012
Functionalism, Conflict, and Interactionism in Education The three theories I plan to discuss are Functionalism, Conflict, and Internationalism with education. The need for these theories is what actually makes the system in education work, with the teachers, parents, school boards and committees the institution of education continues to function. The first theory is Functionalism and is about the study by Lawrence Kohlberg. It has been forty-three years since Lawrence Kohlberg published his doctoral dissertation characterizing six stages of moral development and fourteen years since his death. [1] During this period, much has been written that has discredited stage theory and the overarching use of justice as a "first principle" of moral development. Yet Kohlberg's evolving moral theory continues to be used as a theoretical basis for moral development research and to influence teacher education. While some educators have dismissed Kohlberg's approach as wooden and "fossilized," it continues to be central to what teachers know about, and how they think about, moral development. [2] Indeed, one author suggests that "every psychology textbook published in the last quarter-century touches upon Kohlberg's work."[3] This consistent message, coupled with continued public talk about character development and moral education in schools, makes it likely that Kohlberg's stage theory continues to influence classroom practice, consciously and unconsciously, across the United States, Henry, (2001). By exposing the structural-functionalist roots of Kohlberg's theory, this essay raises concerns about the application of Kohlberg's ideas in the classroom. Fundamentally, Kohlberg focuses on individual development, a universal conception of justice, and universalizability do not translate well to the institutional-level application
References: Author: Henry, S. (2001). WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE USE KOHLBERG? HIS http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/folder?sid=a4ef6a6a-1387-4384-97ab-7bd66e803088%40sessionmgr13&vid=4&hid=15 Author: McLeod (2004) Author: Yvonne Vissing (2011) Introduction to Sociology