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Chapter 1 Theory and Research in Sociology of Education Major theoretical perspectives: functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism Contemporary approaches: code theory, cultural capital, status competition, institutional theory, post-modern critique
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Functionalist Theory: Durkheim 1960’s Durkheim first to apply sociological theory to education Moral values foundation of society Society machine Assume consensus is the normal state in society; Stresses consensus and agreement Well functioning society Role of schools: schools socialize students into appropriate values and sort/select students according to ability
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Basic Tenets ** Education is critical in creating moral unity necessary to social cohesion function of the school is the maintain social order; intellectual (cognitive) political (allegiance) economic (occupational roles)
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Basic Tenets ** Schools develop and maintain a modern and democratic society providing EQUAL OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL
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Underlying Assumption ** Meritocracy hard work/talent determines allocation rather than birth Education is the key institution in a meritocratic selection process
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Conflict Theory: 1960’s alternative critique to Functionalist Theory Social Scientists: Marx, Weber, Bowles and Gintis, Collins
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Basic Tenets ** Schools function in the interest of dominant groups empirical evidence does not support notions of meritocracy
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Basic Tenets ** Meritocracy is an ideology created by the powerful designed to enhance their position by legitimizing inequality and the unequal distribution of resources Relationship between schools and society is problematic
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Conflict Theory: Examples Collins: status groups/symbols Bourdieu: cultural capital passed on by families “exchange value” Bernstein: speech patterns social class; schools are middle- class institutions
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Underlying Assumption ** Class domination is codified in the school structure, processes and curriculum
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Interactionist Theory Mead, Goffman, Rist critique of functionalist and conflict theory Focus on micro-level everyday interactions, nuance Human agency vs. deterministic social structure
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Interactionist Theory: Examples Goffman; patterns of everyday life hold society together Rist: classroom processes academic achievement i.e. labeling and ability grouping
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Post – modern Critical Theory: Friere: Connection of theory and practice Teachers as agents of social change Schools as sites for democratic transformation political action Inclusion of women/people of color narratives
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Conclusion Most important question: why do low SES students do less well reduce achievement gap Diminish the separation of theory, research and practice
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