Application
1. Cite how schools at present are working on the realization of these 4 purposes as cited by the
functionalists.
Answer:
The schools at present are greatly working on the realization of these purposes. The functionalist view of
education as one of the most important social institution in a society. It contributes two kinds of functions
primary functions which are intended and visible functions of education and secondary functions which are
hidden and unintended functions. Hence the schools doing to work out the realization of this major
purposes through creating social solidarity to which school makes learners part of a bigger picture this done
through the learning of subjects such as history and English which is giving a shared sense of identity. The
school prepares individual to a wider society. Another is learning skills for work. This means that school
teaches the diverse skills necessary for every individual or learner for example is learning the same
subjects but later on we specialize on our own interest and skills. In addition, school teaching core values.
The schools play as the central role in the process of socialization over primary socialization. It is believed
that family and the society work in different principles and children need to adapt to cope in a wider world.
Lastly, role allocation and meritocracy. The school allocates people the most appropriate job for their
talents using examinations and qualifications. This way it becomes fair because it provides equal
opportunity for everyone to achieve success and the most able to succeed through their own efforts.
2. Adherents to the conflict theory claim that schools teach loyalty so that those in power remain in power
and those below will forever be at the bottom. Do you agree? Why or why not?
Answer:
Adherent to the conflict theory schools teach loyalty to those in power remain in power and those below will
forever be at the bottom. For me I do agree with conflict theorists because it said that educational system
reinforces and perpetuates social inequalities from various class, gender, culture and ethnicity. It is
believed that in this educational system status quo is very important. People with lower status are into
obedience. The fulfillment of education is linked with social class. This means that students with low
socioeconomic status are generally not accorded or afforded the same opportunities to students with higher
status.
2. Individuals act based on meaning. This meaning is based on individuals‟ experiences. Meanings
change. Give two implications of these symbolic interactionist thoughts to education.
Answer:
Individuals act based on meaning. This meaning is based on individuals experiences. This means
change. Thus the implications of this as perceived by symbolic interactionist perspective are mainly focus
on social interaction in the classroom, on school play grounds and other school related venues. The social
interaction contributes to gender-role socialization as one implications which clearly help the students
understand their role as man and women in the social context. While teachers expectations affect
students’ performance. This is another implication to which teacher’s role and delivery of the competency
may greatly affect students’ performance.
Let’s Check for Understanding
Which social science theory is referred to?
1. The overall health of society depends upon the healthy functioning of its institutions.
2. Meanings that individuals give to symbols change over time.
3. Faulty communication can result from differences in the perception of the same events and symbols.
4. Schools teach humanitarian attitude, altruism, democracy, civil rights, and other positive aspects of
society to preserve society and social order.
5. When one institution fails to function another institution ought to come in to perform the function for the
stability of society.
6. A new society comes as a result of the resolution of clash between the powers that be and the workers.
7. The opposing sides are welcomed. This paves the way to change.
8. When one institution fails to perform its function, the other institutions showed come in for the
preservation of society.
9. One weakness of this theory is this is focused on small interactions.
10. Differences in meaning of symbols for both sender and receiver result to misunderstanding
Let’s Reflect
1. Based on the lesson on symbolic-interactionist theory and the movie, The Little Prince, what does
this quote mean: “Words are a source of misunderstanding?” Any personal message? Write it
down.
Answer:
Words are a source of misunderstanding. This quote sometimes does not represent our thoughts. This is
why it is often when there are point of discussion which leads to not understanding someone who wants to
express their thoughts and even to the extent of letting them explain their thoughts and letting them
describe how their feelings express the situation.
Basing on the movie The little prince, the dance is not a direct way of communicating. It simply formulate
words to which it communicate carefully through interplays and facial expressions that transforms into
actual thoughts. In a real sense, I consider inappropriate for judging one’s behavior. I still believe that it is
reasonable and clear that lack of communication these days is the biggest problem we often encounter.
The reason behind this lack of communication and careless attitude of not understanding each other lies
simply on the lack of patience and attention to details while communicating at each other. Sometimes the
sender and receiver failed to comprehend or understand what the other one is saying or communicating.
More so dance is not just a sport but also serve as an art to evoke admiration. Dancing is a series of
choreography that combined well carefully designed costumes and glamor. It is the prelude and getting the
right tune to comprehending each other. It is the opportunity of expressing feelings that spell out words and
recognition begins that are poured in to words and feelings which shows a deeper understanding and
acceptance. Thus dance simply conveys message to inform a line of thoughts that people are not left
alone but rather presented with order to comprehend and that patience and attention is well taken cared off.
Taking it to the Net
Research on more school practices based on the functionalist theory, conflict theory and symbolic
interaction theory. Write them on a whole sheet of paper to be passed in class.
Answer
School practices based on the functionalist theory are as follows:
1. The educational settings students are introduced to social networks that help them find a job after
schooling is complete.
2. The integration of social media as Facebook, Instagram to which this networks easily find and trace
back learners as well as easily to maintain network.
3. The schools practices small groups, a skill way of transferring to a workplace and that is learned in
the homeschool setting.
4. Sorting and classifying students based on academic and merit or potential. The capable students
are identified early in schools through testing and classroom achievements.
School practices on the conflict theory are as follows:
Conflict theory assumes that the ideas of a society are the ideas of the ruling class.
Social control refers generally to societal and political mechanisms or processes that regulate
individual and group behavior, leading to conformity and compliance to the rules of a given society,
state, or social group.
Schools socializing students into behaving in socially acceptable ways. By means of social control,
students are taught the boundaries of acceptable behavior.
Informal social control is exercised by a society without explicitly stating these rules, and is
expressed through customs, norms, and mores.
Social control enforced using informal sanctions, which may include shame, ridicule, sarcasm,
criticism and disapproval. Social control may also be enforced using formal sanctions.
Education maintains social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal
sanctions and formal sanctions.
Students are taught the boundaries of acceptable behavior based on social controls.
Education maintains social control through various mechanisms, such as indoctrination, informal
sanctions and formal sanctions.
School practices using symbolic interaction theory are as follows:
The symbolic interactionism perspective focuses on social interaction in the classroom, on school
playgrounds, and at other school-related venues.
Social interaction contributes to gender-role socialization, and teachers’ expectations may affect their
students’ performance.
In the context of education, integrationists focus on the interactions between pupils and between pupils
and teachers, looking at concepts such as labeling at the processes and relationships that happen within
schools.
They would tend to look at such processes to explain differential achievement for different social groups,
rather than looking to structural external factors like capitalism or patriarchy.