SOCIOLOGY

Sociology of Schooling and Education

Sociology of Schooling and Education

Introduction

This paper intends to explore the concepts regarding the sociology of schooling and education. Further, it explains the development of educational system in Britain. Moreover, some issues and implications regarding the sociology of education are also discussed.

Before exploring the concept of sociology of education, the meaning of sociology is examined, this will lead further discussion. Sociology is the science studying the structure and function of social relations, customs and institutions in different groups, and the process by which they change.

Discussion

Concepts in Sociology of Education

Functional Approach

Functionalists suggest that we should start with a logical analysis of the concept of society and ask what would happen if a company, large or small, simple or complex, is to survive and develop. Obviously, they say, this company must recruit new members as older generations disappear. You must feed and clothe. There must be a common language and must have some degree of agreement on basic values ??among members to avoid open conflict. Therefore, if a company has to be developed has to solve certain problems.

In the functionalist theory to problem-solving mechanisms are called institutions. Examples of these institutions are the family, which helps solve the problem of supply of new members, financial institutions, which serve to feed and clothe the population, political institutions, which coordinate the activities of different sectors of the society, religious institutions, which contribute to maintaining the basic values ??and education, which helps solve the problem of the formation of youth.

Durkheim features an analogy with the human body. Just as in the human body in every part of society and every institution has a function (or functions) specific to it, similarly different parts of society are interdependent (Durkheim, p.16-23). For example, education is connected with various branches, such as economic, family, political and religious. Social institutions are complex structures. However, the functionalists recognize that the organic analogy cannot be carried too far. In the living organism the cells are programmed by nature to perform its functions. In society, these roles are filled by people who are not biologically programmed. If an institution is to function effectively, people must be forced or induced to fulfill their roles. This is where the functionality introduced the concepts of culture and socialization, and leaves the organic analogy.

Marxist approach

These approaches have in common the view that the education system is an institution that favors the privileged social classes, so the school becomes an institution that justifies pre-existing inequalities. Here we consider the contributions of Marx, theories of social reproduction and resistance theories (Turner, J. & Mitchell, pp. 22-24).

Marx explicitly reflected little on education. It is in his anthropology, especially in its reflection on the whole man, where we can find the theoretical support of their educational approaches explicit: the combine education and work, a fascination with the democratic management of schools, etc. Marx strongly opposed to the capitalist division of labour. Adam Smith was aware that the division of work tasks limits the ...