Unit One Sociological Theory in the Classroom HSP3M Ms. Dana Dray

Theoretical Assumptions The basic theoretical assumptions of the following theories would explain what happens in a classroom.

Functionalism Assumptions  Explains how society is to perform its required functions effectively  The family is an institution within society  Individuals within society have roles to play, each role has to play  The most prevalent behaviours are called “norms”  Change can occur if the structures within society can adjust to maintain an equilibrium, but this usually happens slowly Education  The rules within the classroom give it structure  Teachers have a higher status than students  Teachers and students each have their own roles to perform  There are norms or expected behaviours within the classroom for teachers and students

Symbolic Interactionism Assumptions  Explains how individuals choose how they will act based on their perceptions of themselves and of others  People need to give meaning to their experiences before they act on them  Individuals communicating with one another, but they may give different meanings to actions and words Education  Teachers & students each have their own perceptions of what it means to be a teacher and a student  How a teacher or student responds to a specific situation will depend on how each interprets the situation  Teachers & students may give different meanings to actions & words & this may cause problems

Conflict Theories Assumptions  Explains how power holds a society together  States that conflict exists between groups because of inequalities in power  Assumes groups compete with one another to meet their needs, but the needs of all groups cannot be met Education  Can result in the exploitation of those with less power by those with greater power  Within a school or classroom, there is a power imbalance  In a classroom where students have more power or control than the teacher, the class will not function effectively

Feminist Theories Assumptions  Explain the impact of sex and gender on behaviour  Consider issues from the viewpoint of women  Examine gender bias  Believe change is required to meet the needs of all people Education  Within schools, teachers can apply knowledge of recent on how males and females learn differently