2. 3 Theoretical Perspectives on Education Education and Religion

The 3 Theories 1.Functionalist 2.Conflict 3.Symbolic Interactionism

1. Functionalist Perspective Says: Schools transmit culture Create a common identity Track students for future roles –Place in programs according to ability and interest Promote personal growth and development

2. Conflict Perspective Says: Competition is central to education Racial, ethnic and gender inequality are top issues of concern Sees schools as a Meritocracy: social status based on performance

2. Is America Really a Meritocracy?

3. Symbolic Interactionists say: Hidden curriculum should be studied –Nonacademic agenda: discipline, order, cooperativeness, and conformity Saying the Pledge teacher patriotism

3. Socialization and S. I. Self-fulfilling prophecy: a prediction that results in behavior that makes the prediction come true –Do teachers make students fail? Do teachers foster sexism –Ask boys to lift and carry, but girls to write on the board