Sociology and Education

Sociology and Education

Introduction

This paper intends to discuss the impact of various sociological theories like functionalism, conflict and interactionism on the field of education. The earliest studies related to the sociology and education began within nineteenth century. All the disciplines like anthropology and linguistics are considered important from the viewpoint of tracing the importance of sociological theories and education. This paper intends to discuss the relationship of 'education' as a social institution with sociological theories, functionalism, conflict and interactionism. Moreover, the functions of education within the society, its intersection with power and influence towards communication will also be explored. The purpose of this paper is to create awareness regarding educational theories and its effectiveness from a sociological perspective.

Discussion

In many countries sociology did not stand still, at a time when it was practically nonexistent in our country. We had to catch up, to borrow and learn. I see nothing wrong in this. The development of the sociology of education in this country proceeded along the same lines as it did elsewhere in the world. In time, our own set of problems came to the forefront, our own original interpretation and specific concerns, while at the same time it was based on the experience and methodology of the sociology of education elsewhere in the world. There was a certain amount of reinventing the wheel, but it was not long before that was resolved.

Education is the kind of sphere in which everything is linked to political issues. The allocation of flows of funding, social inequality, the development of the regions the list could go on. When V.N. Shubkin warned about the problems that society would have to cope with as the number of young people graduating from school increased, his warning was heeded, and a special decree was passed increasing the numbers of young people admitted to school and hired to work. The notion of education as a source of knowledge and its manifestation in educational credentials was also important in Weber's notion of bureaucracy and the increasing rationality of society (Konstantinovskii, 2009).

Functions of Education in Society

Education is assumed to serve various basic functions in any society. These functions are important from both individual and societal perspectives. The most important function of education is that it provides mental peace. Education tends to console all the uncertainties present in human life. Education provides inner strength to individuals to become motivated and work for the betterment of society. Education provides support that is emotional and even mental peace when humans need these things the most in order to face the real life situations. Secondly, education works for creating social virtues. Basic virtues like honesty, justice, discipline, truth and peace all are promoted by education. Deep followers of education tend to possess all these virtues and work for society's betterment. Thirdly, social solidarity is promoted through education. Brotherhood spirit is promoted by education. Durkheim believes that 'education tends to strengthen social solidarity.' Common believes, worship practices, sentiments and rituals all work for strengthening solidarity ...