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- Course
- SED 2601
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
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Sociology of EducationChapter 1
Learning unit 1
What is sociology of education?
Sociology of Education (S.o.E): It is the study of educational structures, processes and
practices from a sociological perspective- also part of discipline of education. It defines the
scientific analysis of social processes and social patterns involved in the educational
system.
Functions of sociology of education:
Assimilation and transmission of cultures and traditions
Development of new social patterns (mass media and technology)
Activation of constructive and creative forces
1. Assimilation and transmission of cultures and traditions
- Must be done consciously and selectively
- Clear moral principles and values
- Ability to think creatively
- Respect for others, physical environment
- Capacity to live a fulfilling life
2. Development of new social patterns (technology, mass media)
- Cultivation of a global mindset
- Provision and training in problem solving to evaluate different situations
- Formation of citizens who are aware of their social responsibility
3. Activation of constructive and creative forces
- Ensure that learners are able to make a living by giving them a adequate vocational
education
- Develop the mental and physical skills
- Produce adaptable people who can cope with change in the social environment
- Create individuals who are able to make a contribution to the development in
society
- Create people who can make good use of leisure time
- Teach students to adapt to change
1
,There are three major theories in sociology of education, namely:
Functionalism (Macro)
Conflict theory (Macro)
Symbolic interactionism (Micro)
Sociology: It is the study of social groups and individuals and their interrelationships with
social structures. It helps us to engage with a broader view of our lives and helps us to
explain why we act as we do. (It is the study of society, patterns of social relationships,
culture and social interaction that surround our everyday life.)
Education: Is the act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing
the powers of reasoning and judgement and preparing individuals intellectually for mature
life. Education is not a static phenomenon but dynamic and is a ever changing process. It
serves as a form of socialization.
Macro and Micro level sociological approaches
At macro level researchers seek to identify how variations of school practices lead to
differences in student performance (teaching methods). Macro level focuses on long term-
processes within society such as the development of modern, industrialized societies
(Economy, political system)
At micro level sociologists work to identify how social forces such as politics, economics
and culture create variation in schools as organizations. Micro level focuses on small,
everyday situations and incorporates our face-to face interactions with other humans
(school, family, work)
Theorists in the S.o.E:
Theory Author
Functionalist Durkheim
Parsons
Conflict theory Marx
Weber
Mills
Symbolic interactionism Weber
Mead
Blumer
Waller
2
, Learning unit 2
Functionalism (macro sociological)
Main ideas of the three theories:
Functionalism
Social order
Consensus
Social systems
Socialization
Norms and values
Manifest and latent functions
Conflict theory (macro sociological)
Conflict
Change
Social class
Inequalities
Power
Symbolic interactionism (micro sociological)
Capacity for thought
Meaning
Interaction
Interpretation
Self and agency
Two types of solidarity:
Mechanical solidarity
Organic solidarity
Mechanical solidarity: Society is held together y a shared belief system.
Organic solidarity: Reflects the specialization of tasks found in modern, industrialized
society.
3
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