Sociological Perspectives on Education

Education defined

( John Macionis 2003) Education is defined as the social institution guiding a society's transmission of knowledge including basic facts,job skills and also cultural norms and values to its members

Functionalist Perspective on Education

1. It Promotes law, order and stability within a society and is designed to meet the need of society 2.Education analizes students abilities so that their talents can be "matched" to the job they are best suited Davis & Moore (1967)-education allows role allocation as the most talented gain the highest qualification which leads to higher financial gains

Criticisms Of the Conflict Theory view on Education

1.Numerous studies have suggested that students do not accept the "hidden Curriculum" as they have little respect for teacher or school rules 2.Most studies suggest that most people believe that success is dependant on family back ground and economic factors thus education does not succeed in legitimizing inequality 3.Fails to look at positive side to education

Criticisms Of the Interactionist Perspective

1.Studies of "labelling Theory" are seemingly out-dated 2.Fail to take into consideration that external factors such as diet and parental interest are key to educational success 3.Students don't always live up to their "labels"

Criticisms Of the Functionalist Perspective on Education

1.The rewards offered to different occupation groups reflect the distribution of power,rather than the functional importance of different jobs 2.There is only a weak link between educational qualifications and income 3.Intelligence and ability have only a limited influence on educational achievement 4.Social Stratification prevents the educational 5.system from grading individuals according to their ability

The Symbolic Interactionist Perspective on Education

1.They concentrate on the relationships observed in the class room and how the perceptions of pupils by teachers affect the pupils chances of education success 2.Labelling and the Self-fulfilling prophecy- Argues that predictions made by teachers will tend to make themselves come true 3.Streaming-more advanced knowledge is withheld from lower streams abstract knowledge is valued more than experiential Knowledge

Conflict Theory Perspective on Education

1.Views Education as a means to transmit the ruling class values and ideologies 2.The belief that the education system is meritocratic serves to mask the inequality and unfairness of the system 3.Believe that those who conform to authority and discipline in schools gain the highest rewards. 4.Thus prepares subservient/obedient employees Hidden curriculum aims to hamper overall growth of student and encourages acceptance of "hierarchy"