1. Unit 7: Education
Sociology
Mr. Nicholas

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. 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

12. The Sociology of Religion

13. Why do we live? Why do we die?
Throughout every time period and in every place humankind has lived, human beings have searched for answers to two basic questions. . .
Why do we live?
Why do we die?

14. The Sociology of Religion
Sacred
Anything that is considered to be part of the supernatural world and that inspires awe, respect, and reverence.
Profane
Anything considered to be part of the ordinary world.

17. The Sociology of Religion
A system of roles and norms that is organized around the sacred realm and that binds people together in social groups.

18. The Sociology of Religion
Sociology and Religion
Religion is a social creation
Things that are sacred in one society may be profane in another
Religion is based on faith rather than science

19. The Functions of Religion
Social Cohesion
Religion creates a sense of community and belonging which makes people feel less alone in the world.
Social Control
It encourages conformity to the norms of society, and provides a standard by which to be judged by other people.
This may limit freedom of innovation, thought, and social reform.
Emotional Support
Helps people endure disappointment and suffering, and attempts to provide answers to questions about life and death.
May encourage people to accept their social conditions because rewards await them in the afterlife.
Think-Pair-Share
What are the basic societal needs that religion serves?

23. The Nature of Religion All religions share the same basic elements
Rituals and Symbols
Belief Systems
Organizational Structures

24. Rituals and Symbols Ritual Symbols
an established pattern of behavior through which a group of believers experiences the sacred.
For example, baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Also, prayer meetings, worship services, and religious feasts and holidays.
Symbols
Particular clothing, herbs, chalices, crosses, books, and others are often used to emphasize the sacred character of rituals.

25. Belief Systems
Animism: Spirits active in influencing human life but not worshiped. Rituals thank or win spirits’ good will.
Shamanism: Spirits communicate with one person (shaman). Shamans can heal sick, predict the future.
Totemism: Kinship between humans and animals/natural objects—totems.
Theism: Belief in god or gods. God is divine power worthy of worship.
Monotheism: Belief in one god; Judaism, Islam, Christianity; Has organized structure, priesthood, rituals
Polytheism: Multiple gods; Hinduism; usually one powerful god and lesser gods.
Ethicalism: Based on a set of moral principles with sacred quality
Involve meditation and purity of thought and action; Buddhism, Confucianism

26. Organizational Structures
Ecclesia
Most people in the society are members by birth
State-controlled and operated
No tolerance for others religions
Denomination
A large portion of the population are members.
Tolerant of other beliefs
Sect
A small group that has split from a larger denomination because of differences in beliefs
Cult
A new religion whose beliefs differ greatly from the norm
Their beliefs are often based on the revelations of a cult leader