Education and Religion Chapter 14

THE SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION Section One

Introduction What does a society’s future depend on? The successful socialization of new members Societies have developed education to help children become functioning members of society. In small, preindustrial societies, education was informal and took place within the family In more complex societies, it is more formal

The Functionalist Perspective on Education Believe the functions performed by education work to maintain the stability and smooth operation of society.

Teaching Knowledge and Skills The basic function of education is to teach children the knowledge and skills they will need in the adult world. Education needs technology, research, and money to generate new knowledge.

Transmission of Culture After families, schools are perhaps the most important and obvious means through which children learn social norms, values, and beliefs. Children learn about patriotism through songs, rituals, plays, and stories.

Children also learn socially acceptable forms of behavior in schools. Punctuality Obedience Respect for authority

Social Integration 100 years ago, the U.S. was a melting pot. Today we’re more of a mosaic—groups choose to keep their cultural identity.

Occupational Placement Vocational training is taught in some schools Schools encourage students to pursue additional education past high school Schools continuously test and evaluate students

The Conflict Perspective on Education Believe the educational system serves to limit the potential of certain individuals and groups to gain power and social rewards Think a student’s achievement or failure reflects existing inequalities in society

Social Control The purpose of social control is to produce unquestioning citizens who accept the basic inequalities of the social system Believe there is a hidden curriculum that transmits cultural goals that aren’t openly acknowledged

Tracking Definition: the assignment of students to different types of educational programs— general, vocational, or college prep Say lower class and minority students are assigned to the lower tracks and thus have blue-collar jobs with less prestige Classroom instruction varies Upper Class: focus on critical thinking and creativity Lower Class: focus on memorization and conformity

Education and Economic Status Most Americans have long believed that education is the key to social mobility. Statistics show there is a relationship between education and income.

The Interactionist Perspective on Education Look at the interaction that takes place among students and teachers

Ray Rist Said tracking and teacher involvement predict levels of achievement

Eigil Pedersen and Terese Annette Faucher Found teacher expectations were reflected in the results received

Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson Found that students who were told they would achieve actually achieved

Self-fulfilling Prophecy A prediction that leads to behavior that makes the prediction come true

Issues in American Education A Nation at Risk said there was a decline in the level of American education Congress responded with the Goals 2000: Education America Act, passed in 1994 All Americans will be literate Grad rate will be 90% or higher All will start school ready to learn Schools will promote parent participation

NEGP National Education Goals Panel Formed to oversee the progress being made on meeting the goals from Goals 2000

Educational Alternatives Charter Schools: funded with public money, privately operated and run School Voucher: use state money to pay tuition at a private school Homeschooling: may be chosen because the parents dislike the available education or because of religious views

Violence in the Schools In September 1999, 47% of parents admitted fearing for their children while they were at school Most fears surfaced after the shootings at Columbine in Colorado

English as a Second Language Everyone has an opinion about what to do with non-English speaking students Represents 3-4% of the total student population Allows non-English speaking students to be taught in their native language

THE SOCIOLOGY OF RELIGION Section Two

Introduction Human beings have always had two basic questions— Why do we live? Why do we die?

According to Emile Durkheim, society answers these questions by making a distinction between the sacred (anything part of the supernatural world that inspires awe, respect, and reverence) and the profane (anything part of the ordinary world)

This distinction is at the heart of all religions—a system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups

Religion—A Sociological Definition Religion is a social creation Things that are sacred in one society may be profane in another Example: Hindus revere cows and Christians believe a wafer is sacred Religion is based on faith rather than science

The Functions of Religion 1.Social Cohesion: strengthens bonds among people Through participation Participants have lower suicide rates Creates an us against them mentality

2.Social Control: encourages conformity to the norms of society Some have rituals to rid themselves of the guilt May inhibit individuality and freedoms 3.Emotional Support: especially during difficult times Provides answers for life and death

The Nature of Religion 1.Rituals—an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred Often mark changes in status (birth, marriage, etc.) Includes prayer meetings, worship services, etc.

2.Belief Systems Animism: a belief that spirits actively influence human life (spirits may be in animals, plants, rivers, etc.) Shamanism: the spirits only communicate with one person in the group—the shaman Totemism: a belief in kinship between humans and animals; the totem (animal) is sacred and represents ancestors Theism: a belief in a god or gods Monotheism: one god Polytheism: a number of gods

3.Ethicalism: based on the idea that moral principals have a sacred quality Include truth, honor, and tolerance Involves meditation and purity of thought and action

Organizational Structures 1.Ecclesia: people are members by birth, have formal structures Example: Islam 2.Denominations: well-established, include a large number of the population, formal structures with trained officials Example: Presbyterian

3.Sect: a small organization that has split off from a denomination Example: Jehovah Witnesses 4.Cult: a new religion whose beliefs and practices differ from society’s major religions; usually led by a charismatic figure; usually short lived Example: Jim Jones; People’s Temple

Religion in American Society A haven for religious freedom Held in high regard 90% believe in God 66% are affiliated with a specific religion 34% attend services regularly A separation of church and state

Chapter 14 Review Use your book to answer the following questions. Read Exploring Cultural Diversity on pages 368 – 369 and answer the first question in the red Think About It box at the bottom of page 369. Then write a paragraph about religions in your community. Answer the five questions under Thinking Critically for the Chapter 14 Review on page 372.