Chapter 16 Religion and Education Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

What Is Religion? Many scholars see religion as difficult or impossible to define. Religion is complex and perceived differently. Religion is a social phenomenon that consists of beliefs about the sacred, practices, and a community that shares these beliefs and practices. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Components of Religion Beliefs Ideas that explain the world and identify what should be sacred or held in awe Ultimate concerns Religion separates sacred beliefs from profane. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Components of Religion Ritual A set of regularly repeated, prescribed, and traditional behaviors that serve to symbolize some value or belief Rituals come in many forms. Some show devotion to God (prayer); some help believers organize their lives (meditations); some celebrate cycles (holidays). Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Components of Religion Experience The combination of beliefs and rituals forms the variety of religious experience. Examples include prayer or attendance at religious services. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Types of Religious Organizations Sect A small group of people who are seeking a personal religious experience. Behavior of sect members tends to be spontaneous. Leadership is usually composed of laypersons, rather than those with specialized training. They tend to see themselves apart from the larger society. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Types of Religious Organizations Church A large group of religious-oriented people into which one is usually born Leadership is composed of professionals who have specialized training. Has a highly bureaucratic structure Belief system is codified and rituals are performed in a highly prescribed manner. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Types of Religious Organizations Cult New religious movements Denominations Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Theorizing Religion: Structural/Functionalist Answers questions about the meaning of life Helps people deal with tragedies Provides a set of ethical guidelines for daily life Provides hope for the future Creates community and social solidarity Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Theorizing Religion: Structural/Functionalist Dysfunctions of Religion Can lead to ethnocentrism and conflict between religious groups Can oppress certain groups Can promote violence Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Theorizing Religion: Conflict/Critical Theory Karl Marx called religion the “opium of the people” because he felt people are drugged by religion and do not have an accurate view of the social problems around them. Religion leads people to a false consciousness. Religion serves to enhance and protect the economic base of society. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Religion and Globalization The Globally Most Significant Religions Judaism Hinduism Buddhism Islam Christianity Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Education Education is closely related to the process of socialization. In the United States, when a child reaches 5 years of age socialization changes from informal (family) to formal (school). In the United States and other developed countries education goes on for many years. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Thinking About Education: Structural/Functionalist Durkheim defined education as the process by which the individual acquires the physical, intellectual, and moral tools needed to function in society. Robert Dresden saw other functions of education. Children learn to function on their own, to value achievement, that they are a part of society, and the norm of “specificity.” Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Thinking About Education: Conflict/Critical Theory Education serves to reproduce social inequalities in society and reinforce the system of social stratification. Karl Marx believed that society’s dominant social institutions (like education) support and reproduce the capitalist system. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Thinking About Education: Inter/Actionist Theory Focus microscopically on education, specifically the interaction between teachers and students Students acquire labels (good, bad, smart, slow, etc.) to reinforce experience and expectations. Interaction Order Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Education and Consumption Students have always been consumers of education. Education has been radically transformed in the digital age. Education takes place in societies where consumption is pervasive, and as a result education becomes commercialized. Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Inequality in Education Who Succeeds in School? Students from the most socioeconomically advantaged families are the most likely to attain a college degree. The Coleman Report: How Much Do Schools Matter? The most important predictors of success were teacher quality and family background. Natural Inequality? Intelligence and School Success The Bell Curve (1994) Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Inequality in Education Class Differences in Early Childhood Hart and Risley (1995) found that differences in cognitive outcomes are explained by differences in parenting (professional, working class, and welfare). Seasonal Learning and Class Differences in Achievement Comparing learning gains during the school year to gains when students are not in school Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.

Inequality in Education Inequality Within School: Tracking and Student Outcomes Tracking leads to cumulative advantage. Who Goes to College? Students from the most advantaged families are more likely to go to college. Globalization and Education Copyright 2012, SAGE Publications, Inc.