Exam (elaborations)
ESC3701 Assignment 2 2023
- Course
- ESC3701 (ESC3701)
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
ESC3701 Assignment 2 2023
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ESC3701Assignment 2 2023
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,ESC3701 Assignment 2 2023
QUESTION 1
Functionalism is one of the major theories in Sociology of education. Provide a
brief explanation of what Sociology of education as discipline entails. (10)
Sociology of education is a discipline that examines the social processes and
structures within educational institutions and systems. It focuses on understanding
how education functions within society, the roles and interactions of individuals
within educational settings, and the impact of education on social inequality and
social change.
The discipline of sociology of education explores various aspects of education,
including formal schooling systems, educational policies, classroom dynamics,
curriculum development, educational attainment, and educational outcomes. It
seeks to understand how social factors, such as social class, gender, race, and
ethnicity, influence educational opportunities, experiences, and outcomes for
individuals and groups.
Sociologists of education analyze the relationships between education and society,
studying how education both reflects and perpetuates existing social structures,
norms, and values. They investigate the ways in which education can reproduce
social inequalities, such as socioeconomic disparities and disparities in educational
achievement. Additionally, they examine how education can potentially serve as a
mechanism for social mobility and social change.
Functionalism is one of the major theoretical perspectives within sociology of
education. According to functionalist theory, education plays a crucial role in
maintaining social order and stability. It is seen as a social institution that serves
specific functions in society, such as transmitting knowledge, socializing
individuals, and preparing them for future roles and responsibilities. Functionalists
emphasize the importance of education in fostering social cohesion, promoting
meritocracy, and ensuring the smooth functioning of society. They view education
, as a mechanism for social integration and the development of skills necessary for
individuals to contribute effectively to the broader social structure.
QUESTION 2
The works of Emile Durkheim focus on how social order is possible and how
society can remain stable despite the many influences that can destabilise
social order. With the above in mind, briefly explain Durkheim’s point of view
regarding the role of educational institutions to uphold the equilibrium
between individual rights and the interest of society. (10)
Emile Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, believed that educational institutions
play a crucial role in maintaining social order and equilibrium between individual
rights and the interests of society. According to Durkheim, education serves as a
socializing agent that imparts shared values, norms, and knowledge to individuals,
ensuring their integration into the larger social fabric.
Durkheim argued that educational institutions promote social cohesion by instilling
a collective consciousness and a sense of belonging among individuals. Through
the educational process, individuals learn the moral and ethical principles that
underpin society, developing a shared understanding of right and wrong. This
shared moral framework helps establish a common set of values and norms that
guide individuals' behavior and actions, contributing to social stability.
Furthermore, Durkheim believed that education prepares individuals for their
future roles and responsibilities within society. By transmitting knowledge and
skills, educational institutions enable individuals to become productive members of
society and contribute to its functioning. Education equips individuals with the
necessary tools to fulfill social roles, such as workers, citizens, and professionals,
ensuring the smooth functioning of various social institutions.
Durkheim emphasized that education should strike a balance between individual
rights and societal interests. While individuals have their own aspirations and
desires, they must also recognize and respect the collective needs and goals of
society. Educational institutions, therefore, play a role in socializing individuals to
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