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Sociology in Modules Richard T. Schaefer
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Sociological Perspectives on Education
In the past few decades, increasing numbers of people have obtained high school diplomas, college degrees, advanced professional degrees Education has become vast and complex social institution; prepares citizens for roles demanded by other social institutions, such as the family, government, and economy
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Figure 43-1: Current Higher Education Graduation Rates (BA/BS), Selected Countries
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Functionalist Perspective
Transmitting Culture Exposing young people to existing beliefs, norms, and values of their culture Sometimes nations reassess the ways in which they transmit culture to students Promoting Social and Political Integration Common identity and social integration fostered by education contributes to societal stability and consensus
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Functionalist Perspective
Maintaining Social Control Schools teach students punctuality, discipline, scheduling, responsible work habits, and how to negotiate a bureaucratic organization Serving as an Agent of Change Education can stimulate social change Best indicator of a person’s lifetime earnings is still number of years of formal schooling that person has received
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Figure 43-2: Lifetime Earnings by Race, Gender, and Degree Level
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Conflict Perspective Education is instrument of elite domination
Educational system socializes students into values dictated by the powerful and stifle individualism and creativity to promote relatively insignificant change
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Conflict Perspective The Hidden Curriculum Credentialism
Hidden curriculum: standards of behavior deemed proper and taught subtly in schools Credentialism Credentialism: increase in the lowest level of education needed to enter a field Number of occupations viewed as professions has risen May reinforce social inequality
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Conflict Perspective Bestowal of Status
Education can distribute members among a variety of social positions by sorting people into appropriate levels and courses of study Tracking: practice of placing students in specific curriculum groups on basis of test scores and other criteria Correspondence principle: promotes values expected of individuals in each social class, perpetuating social class divisions
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Figure 43-3: Tuition Costs, 1981–2011
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Feminist Perspective In 20th century, sexism found in:
Stereotypes in textbooks Pressure to study traditional women’s subjects Unequal funding for athletics Employment bias Women have made strides in higher education
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Interactionist Perspective
Labeling approach suggests that if people are treated in particular ways, they may fulfill expectations Teacher-expectancy effect: impact of teacher expectations about a student on student’s actual achievements
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Table 43-1: Sociological Perspectives on Education
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Schools as Formal Organizations
U.S. has about 15 million high school students today Schools are similar to factories, hospitals, and business firms Do not operate autonomously
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Bureaucratization of Schools
Weber’s characteristics of bureaucracy: Division of labor Hierarchy of authority Written rules and regulations Impersonality Employment based on technical qualifications
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Teachers: Employees and Instructors
Teachers undergo many perplexing stresses Between a quarter and a third of new teachers quit within their first three years Fewer students choose teaching as career due to perceived low income In 2012, 3.2% of male and 8.2% of female first-year college students were interested in elementary or high school education
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Figure 44-1: Average Salary for Teachers
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Student Subcultures Student subculture complex and diverse
High school cliques and social groups form according to race, social class, physical attractiveness, placement in courses, athletic ability, and leadership roles in school and community Gay and lesbian students particularly vulnerable Peer group pressure to conform is intense
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Student Subcultures Four distinctive subcultures among college students: Collegiate subculture Academic subculture Vocational subculture Nonconformist subculture Each student is exposed to competing subcultures and must determine which seems most in line with his or her feelings and interests
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Figure 44-2: College Campuses by Race and Ethnicity: Then, Now, and in the Future
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Homeschooling About 1.5 million schooled at home
Critics counter that homeschooled children isolated from larger community Proponents claim it is a good alternative for children with ADHD and learning disabilities Quality control is an issue
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Social Policy and Education: Charter Schools
Discontent with public schools Charter schools: experimental schools that are developed and managed by individuals, groups of parents, or an educational management organization Considered public schools, but administered outside official public school system
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Social Policy and Education: Charter Schools
Looking at the Issue 2.6 million children enrolled in charter schools Advocates claim they offer parents accountability for children’s education Compete with public schools Offer alternative that was once only available to the wealthy
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Figure 44.3 Charter Schools
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Social Policy and Education: Charter Schools
Applying Sociology Functionalists argue charter schools meet society’s need while serving a diverse student body Conflict theorists believe charter schools do not represent teachers well and will contribute to decline of labor unions Not much research on long-term impact because charter school movement is relatively new
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Social Policy and Education: Charter Schools
Initiating Policy In U.S., school policy is driven at local level Many school choice programs in addition to charter school movement Homeschooling, vouchers, etc. Jury still out on effectiveness Quality cannot be assumed based on a certain structure, size, affiliation, or funding source
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Sociology on Campus 43-1: Google University
Do you prefer to do your reading online or in a magazine, newspaper, or book? Has the availability of online information changed the way that you read the written word? Have you participated in any social or political causes or volunteered your time while on campus? If so, did you use the Internet to organize or disseminate information about your activities?
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Sociology on Campus 43-2: The Debate over Title IX
Has Title IX had an effect on you personally? If so, explain. On balance, do you think the increase in women’s participation in sports has been good for society as a whole? How might Title IX affect the way students and the public view gender roles?
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Research Today 44-1: Violence in the Schools
Has a shooting or other violent episode ever occurred at your school? If so, how did students react? Do you feel safer at school than at home, as experts say you are? What steps have administrators at your school taken to prevent violence? Have they been effective, or should other steps be taken?
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Taking Sociology to Work
Diane Belcher Gray, Assistant Director of Volunteer Services, New River Community College Have you, like Diane Belcher Gray, realized through education that something you were doing without thinking about it has helped to prepare you for employment? Explain. Do some research on Dublin, Virginia, and the surrounding area. What kind of economy does this community have? Relate the layoffs the community has been experiencing to larger societal forces.
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