Sociological Theories on Education in the World
Sociological Theories on Education in the World
Judy Davis
SOC 101
Allen Lipscomb
March 1, 2010
Sociological Theories on Education in the World There are many different sociological theories on education in America and other parts of the world. Throughout the history of education, the institution has served both economic as well as political needs. Both of these needs have also dictated the function of education. “Throughout the world, education has become a vast and complex social institution that prepares citizens for the roles demanded by other social institutions, such as the family, government, and the economy” (Schaefer, 2009 pg 313). In the world today, there is a debate between sociologists and educators about three of the three main theories and their connection to education. The three main theories discussed in this paper are the functionalist theory, conflict theory and the interactionist theory. Though there are differences in each theory, there are also similarities, and though out this discussion these will all be brought to light. The functionalist theory has four main emphases: to transfer the dominant culture, integration of society, promotions of social norms, values, and sanctions and promotion of desirable social change. In industrialized nations in which the social institution of education is practiced, it is the dominant culture that usually controls the education on what and how things are taught within the schools institutions. Education is considered a rather conservative function. As the generations of youth travel through its particular countries’ education system, they are taught that cultures existing beliefs, social norms and values that are relevant to one’s own culture. In our country our children are taught the important values, stories and beliefs that pertain to the main culture in the United States. In other countries, the children are taught their countries values and beliefs. Examples of this are: American
Judy Davis
SOC 101
Allen Lipscomb
March 1, 2010
Sociological Theories on Education in the World There are many different sociological theories on education in America and other parts of the world. Throughout the history of education, the institution has served both economic as well as political needs. Both of these needs have also dictated the function of education. “Throughout the world, education has become a vast and complex social institution that prepares citizens for the roles demanded by other social institutions, such as the family, government, and the economy” (Schaefer, 2009 pg 313). In the world today, there is a debate between sociologists and educators about three of the three main theories and their connection to education. The three main theories discussed in this paper are the functionalist theory, conflict theory and the interactionist theory. Though there are differences in each theory, there are also similarities, and though out this discussion these will all be brought to light. The functionalist theory has four main emphases: to transfer the dominant culture, integration of society, promotions of social norms, values, and sanctions and promotion of desirable social change. In industrialized nations in which the social institution of education is practiced, it is the dominant culture that usually controls the education on what and how things are taught within the schools institutions. Education is considered a rather conservative function. As the generations of youth travel through its particular countries’ education system, they are taught that cultures existing beliefs, social norms and values that are relevant to one’s own culture. In our country our children are taught the important values, stories and beliefs that pertain to the main culture in the United States. In other countries, the children are taught their countries values and beliefs. Examples of this are: American
References: Giroux, H. (1988). Schooling and the struggle for public life: critical pedagogy in the modern age. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press. Hamilton, L. & Powell, B. (2007). Hidden curriculum. Retrieved February 25, 2010 from http://www.blackwellreference.com/public/tocnode?id=g9781405124331_chunk_g978140512433114_ss1-28 Blackwell Publishing Online. McMorrow-Hernandez, J. (2007, August 21). Education and sociology: interactionalism versus functionalism. Retrieved on February 24, 2009 from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/350058/education_and_sociology_interactionalism.html?cat=4 Pinkerton, J. (2003). “Education: a grand compromise.” Retrieved February 25, 2010 from http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/2003/01/pinkerton.htm Atlantic Monthly Vol. 291 No. 1 (January/ February) 115-116. Schaefer, R. (2009) Sociology a brief introduction 8th edition. New York: McGraw Hill Sociology: Theories of Education - CliffsNotes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/CliffsReviewTopic/Theories-of-Education.topicArticleId-26957,articleId-26914.html