Education Social Institutions Audra Robbins, Paige Wache, Courtney Heck, Megan Wache

Sociological Snapshot of Education The value of education has increased greatly in recent years This is due to a high demand for educated employees These educated employees are competing for high wages

3 Major Sociological Perspectives Functionalists: Functionalism is a theoretical perspective based on the notion that social events can be best explained in terms of the functions they perform - that is, the contributions they make to the continuity of a society (Giddens et al, 2012: 19). They believe the education system helps society function by creating educated workers necessary to benefit the economy.

3 Major Sociological Perspectives Feminists: Feminist theory is a sociological perspective that emphasizes the centrality of gender in analyzing the social world and particularly the uniqueness of the experience of women. All the strands of the feminist theories all share the desire to explain gender inequalities in society and to work to overcome them (Giddens et al, 2012: 20). They believe that females are treated unequally in society and work to reform education so that females and males receive the same treatment

3 Major Sociological Perspectives Marxists: A body of thought deriving its main elements from Marx’s ideas. They believe in conflict and is supposed to generate a program of political change. Marxists lay more emphasis on conflict, class division, power, and ideology (Giddens et al, 2012: 20). Marxist emphasize activity, collaboration and critique. They avoid simple absorption of knowledge and focus on the students. They believe that education cannot overcome the problems of a society. (Marxism and Education, 2013).

Education’s Impact on Society Teaches you social norms Establishes gender roles Promotes socialization Promotes authority figures Enables you to achieve higher paid careers Receiving a higher education, you are look at more highly in society. If you receive a low education, you are belittled in society.

References Giddens, A., Duneier, M., Appelbaum,R., and Carr, D. (2012) “Introduction to Sociology 8th Edition” New York and London: Norton Publishing “Marxism & Education.” Marxism and Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Dec. 2013 http://www.marxists.org/subject/education/ “1.3.4 Social Institutions.” Social Institutions.N.p., n.d. June 4 1996. Web.02 Dec. 2013 <www.hq.nasa.gov/iwgsdi/Social_Institutions.html>