Unit 7: Education Sociology Mr. Nicholas

Social Institutions Family Economy Politics Religion Mass Media Education What are some of the basic needs met by the Education? -Socialization -teaching of cultural norms and values -the transmission of knowledge needed for adulthood -teaching youth the skills they will need to get jobs and support themselves Religion Mass Media

The Sociology of Education System that ensures the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. Schooling Instruction by specially trained teachers who follow officially recognized policies

Sociological Perspectives Functionalist The world is a set of interrelated parts that work together to produce a stable society Conflict Interested in power struggles Symbolic Interaction Focuses on how individuals interact with one another through the use of symbols and language

The Functionalist Perspective on Education Functionalists believe that education works to maintain the stability and smooth operation of society. The most important of these functions include Teaching the knowledge and skills The transmission of culture Social integration Occupation placement

The Functionalist Perspective on Education Core Curriculum The subjects comprising a course of study in school Cultural transmission A process by which schools pass a society’s core values from one generation to the next. Children learn social norms, values, and beliefs Teach students patriotism, loyalty, and socially accepted forms of behavior

The Conflict Perspective on Education The educational system serves to limit the potential of certain individuals and groups to gain power and social rewards. They point to two factors as evidence: Social Control Tracking

The Conflict Perspective on Education Social Control Control serves to produce unquestioning citizens who accept the basic inequalities of the social system Hidden Curriculum The school’s transmission of cultural goals that are not openly acknowledged Teaching a set of values that center on obedience to authority

The Conflict Perspective on Education Tracking Involves different types of educational programs based on test scores and behavior Conflict theorists view this as a way for the wealthy and powerful to maintain their position in society.

Review Sociological Perspective View of Education Functionalist Schools help maintain the stability and smooth operation of society Conflict The education system serves to limit the potential of certain people and groups to gain power and social rewards Interactionist Students’ educational achievements and successes are shaped in part by student-teacher interactions

Issues in American Education Educational Reform To address a decline in the level of the quality of education Educational alternatives Provides school choice through vouchers, charter schools, and options such as homeschooling Violence in the Schools Has led to the use of security measures, zero-tolerance policies, and conflict-resolution programs Bilingual Education Controversial, particularly in states with many Hispanics; has led to “English Only” movement