Sociological Theory of Education, and View of The Purpose and Function of Education that Aligns with My Philosophy Of Education

 

Sociological Theory of Education, and View of The Purpose and Function of Education that Aligns with My Philosophy Of Education

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

The sociology of philosophy within sociology is considered to be the most integral subdivision away from theoretical development and empirical approaches (Heidegren and Lundberg, 2010). In the present day, most sociologists argue with educators regarding the function of education (CliffsNotes, 2020). The sociology of education allows any teacher to examine the school as a microcosm of the larger society. In the sociological theories, there are three theories with different views such as the functionalist theory which focuses on universal education in which the role of education is based on the needs of society, in socializing people through the transmission of common values in life and the social control at a point a time. Moreover, the learning experience that each individual child gets isn’t within the four walls but to the extent of his home or even the larger society (Olusegun, 2019). Such theory advocates liberty rights through individualism whereby the learner experiences competition gaining social and self-esteem. The other one is the conflict theory of Karl Marx's writings on class struggles that aims to maintain social inequality and allowing to preserve the dominant power in the society (CliffsNotes, 2020). Here, learners are prepared to gain substantial advantages in attaining the best colleges and ultimately into a higher‐paying career. And finally, the symbolic interactionist theory helps learners for the social interaction not simply in the classroom but also gives them experiences outside the classroom. The main disadvantage of this theory is that it affects the very development of the role of gender and the learning outcomes (Libraries, 2010).

The sociological theory of education and view of the purpose and function of education that aligns with my philosophy of education is the functionalist theory because it addresses the very purpose of education in my country and fulfills the needs of society in the context of Gross National Happiness in terms of social integration and placement, socialization in the community, professional development training, and finally cultural innovation.

Functionalists view education from two angles, primary (manifest) functions and secondary (latent) functions (Lumen, n.d.). In order to help keep our society function smoothly the formal education that we provide should look at everything, the way our education system works in the society and how it functions and it depends on manifest and latent function.

Under manifest function, it is the planned consequences of education in which children are taught some basic facts about the world as it is difficult to adjust without knowing how to read and write. Along with reading and writing, every individual in the school should be trained with the norms and values of society to build a better community shortly which is an integral part of education and the functionalist theory addresses it along with the skills necessary for every child. Durkheim stated that the agent of any socialization is the school where students are provided with hands-on experiences (CliffsNotes, 2020). I also believe that schools should also be engaged in cultural transmission, transmitting knowledge to new batches of citizens especially with the values of patriotism. To fulfill it, students are exposed to various social values and social norms through their peers, friends, and teachers in the schools or universities and get influences. Similarly, civic and histories of the own country and the history of the world are taught to make them aware of how the political processes work to prepare them to become an informed citizen. With the different backgrounds that they acquire, they get exposed to their social norms and cultural values through a shared understanding of the social world.

At present, in this globalized world, especially in my country, students are required to obtain at least a college degree with a very high percentage to get the job. It is where the function of social control and social placement works in order to prevent them from deviant behavior. Having common beliefs and values is another important role of education that promotes social integration for a society to work (Libraries, 2010). Therefore, education in my country is compulsory from the age of five and students are trained as per their needs with the change of their age. I believe that it is necessary because it will prevent every individual from being jobless and remain on the street creating chaos. Maybe because of that, we have no beggars in our streets. This function of education prepares students for their future job, workplace, and society at large, whereby they learn to cope up with the people who have power over them. Thus, it depends on the teacher how he prepares his student for the future and fulfills this function because they are the people who are with them throughout the day.

Education under the functionalist theory also fulfills some of the latent functions. Especially in the school we introduce and teach students on the usage of social networks that ultimately help them find their job, do online shopping, and build a friend circle through social media. Moreover, they are also equipped with the political aspects through leadership campaigns, the voting systems for captainship, and other social issues that create room for political and social advocacy (Lumen, n.d.). Moreover, the group activities that we conduct in our classrooms train them and make them gain confidence, and their ability to work in small groups improves that ultimately prepare them for a bigger setting like in their workplace.

To conclude, the insight on how we understand education is fulfilled by sociological theories. Functionalists view education as a means to prepare students for their future roles within their society and the world at large. Different children develop differently as per their unique needs and ability. It enables anyone to achieve greater social equality. Education is not simply preparing an individual to become full potential but also quality socialization through the development of various social values and social norms that enable them to exist peacefully and meaning in this social world. 

 

Reference

CliffsNotes, (2020). Theories of Education. Retrieved 16 July 2021 from https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/sociology/education/theories-of-education

Crash Course. (2018, January 15). Education in society: Crash course sociology #40. [Video file]. Retrieved March 4, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S294zRodS_4

Heidegren, C. and Lundberg, H. (2010). Towards a Sociology of Philosophy. Retrieved 16 July 2021 from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0001699309357831

Lumen. (n.d.). Theoretical Perspectives on Education. Retrieved 16 July 2021 from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/theoretical-perspectives-on-education/

Olusegun, M. H. (2019). What is the importance of sociology of education to a teacher and why? Retrieved 16 July 2021 from https://www.quora.com/profile/Mohammed-Hazzan-Olusegun

Theoretical perspectives on education. (2010). In University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing (Ed.), Sociology: Understanding and changing the social world. Retrieved March 3, 2018, from http://open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/16-2-sociological-perspectives-on-education/