“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”   “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” John Dewey, (1859-1952)

The Purpose of Education (2 theoretical approaches) FUNCTIONALIST APPROACH CONFLICT PERSPECTIVE

Functionalist Approach to Education Links to broad theory of Functionalism... View education as a social institution that performs functions for the benefit of society. A way to understand society.

Functionalist Approach to Education Schools benefit society and have 4 main functions: Teaching knowledge and skills Transmitting cultural values (e.g., Quebec) Social integration Family role These are all MANIFEST FUNCTIONS ... This means that they are all obvious and intentional (we know schools do these things)

Functionalist Approach to Education LATENT FUNCTIONS = the unintended and unconscious consequences of schooling So in Canada, these include: Individualism Competition Patriotism

The Conflict Perspective to Education (soc theory) Conflict theorists, in contrast, view society as comprised of groups that compete for scarce resources (e.g., power, money) ... ...and to secure those who are already in power.

For Conflict Theorists... Education teaches a HIDDEN CURRICULUM of unwritten goals: Promoting obedience to authority Conformity to cultural norms The purpose of the hidden curriculum is to perpetuate social inequality...

For Conflict Theorists... Sociologist Harry Gracey (1991) observed kindergarten classes and concluded that: Talking only when asked to speak Requesting permission to speak (and pee!) Obeying authority figures. This means that society...