Sociological Portrait Analysis

Sociological Portrait: Milestone 2

In reviewing the different functions of education, of which there are several. From formal to informal each is important as the next in an individual’s development and future function in society. The function of formal education consists of learning skills and gaining knowledge, i.e., reading, math, history, science, languages to name just a few. Outside of the more necessary function of education is socialization, future preparation, and economic functions. My K-12 education has spanned from primary school both private and public, secondary, and vocational.

Starting my educational career in private school led to not only the more formal aspects of learning but also informal. Religion though not the
The vocational school I was at had three programs, students worked through all of them or just the ones that were needed depending on what your particular need was upon acceptance into the program. There was High School Diploma, Technical Education, and Career Services. These programs included Finance and Business, Hospitality, Construction(s), and Health Care to name a few (JC 2013). Some of these may seem limited but with help of the Career Services department they could lead to further opportunity. The administrative staff worked diligently at offering support in essential areas such as testing, further educational pursuits, career counseling, and career readiness. Without any of these I would not have received the credentials, socialization habits, i.e., dress codes, conduct, problem solving, work place interactions, that are essential in life and society among adults. The schools program design employs a comprehensive career development training path which merges the teaching of academics, vocational, employability skills, and social competencies executed through classroom, practical and based learning (JC 2013). All these are to lead to career paths, future, and stable employment.

It is in this vocational program that the economic function of education is also seen. Established in 1964 under the Economic Opportunity Act to serve and help young people improve the quality of life through academic and vocational training. This program was built and modeled after the 1930’s Civilian Conservation Corps program which was under the Johnson Administration’s War on Poverty during the depression (Blackett, 2002, p. 1-6). Which was dismantled after World War II when the G.I. Bill was more effective for the returning soldiers to allay the employment market from being