Social Science
Theories and their
Implications to
Education.
What is Social Science Theory?
> a systematic
explanation for the
observed facts and
laws that relate to a
specific aspect of life.
THEORY
> Observation
> Hypothesis
1. Structural-functional theory
HERBERT SPENCER
> The proponent of structural-
functional views society as "a
system of interconnected parts
each with a unique function.
1. Structural-functional theory
HERBERT SPENCER
> The parts have to work together
for stability and balance of
society.
1. Structural-functional theory
HERBERT SPENCER
> The functionalist theory of
education focuses on how
education serves the need of
society through the development
of skills encouraging social
cohesion.
TAKENOTES:
Focus on social stability
See Education as beneficial
contribution to an ordered society.
Purposes of Schooling
according to Functionalists
> Intellectual purposes
> Political purposes
> Economic purposes
> Social purposes
INTELLECTUAL PURPOSES
> acquisition of cognitive
skills, inquiry skills.
POLITICAL PURPOSES
> educate future citizens;
promote patriotism; promote
assimilation of immigrants; ensure
order, public civility and
conformity to laws.
ECONOMICS PURPOSES
> prepare students for
later work roles; select
and train the labor force
needed by society.
SOCIAL PURPOSES
> promote a sense of social and
moral responsibility; serve as a site for
the solution or resolution of social
problems; supplement the efforts of
other institutions of socialization such
as the family and the church.
CONFLICT THEORY
> According to this theory, there are always
two opposing sides in a conflict situation.
People take sides between maintaining the
status quo and introducing change then arrive
at an agreement. Conflict theory welcomes
conflict for that is the way to the
establishment of a new society.
CONFLICT THEORY
Conflict theorists find potential conflict
between any groups where inequality exists:
racial, gender, religious, political, economic,
and so on.
Symbolic Interactionist
theory perspective
> George H. Mead/Max Weber
Three Tenets of symbolic interactionist theory.
1. An individual's action depends on meaning.
2. Different people may give different
meanings to the same.
3. Meanings change as individuals interact
with one another.
1. An individual's action
depends on meaning.
> We act based on the
meaning we give to symbols.
Symbols can be actions,
objects or words.
1. An individual's action
depends on meaning.
> If a student understands that
teacher believes in his /her ability
he/she tries his/her best prove that
indeed he/she is able. If a teacher
does otherwise, a student tends to
behave in accordance with teacher's
poor perception.
2. Different people may give different
meanings to the same thing.
> When teachers are strict, some students
see it as an expression of care. Others may
rebel because they perceive teacher's
behavior as limiting their moves and
desires.
2. Different people may give different
meanings to the same thing.
> A philosopheror a poet may look at it with
the thought, "they also serve who only stand
and wait" like John Milton'sfrom his poem
"On his Blindness".
3. Meanings change as individuals
interact with one another.
> A negative meaning that you used to associate
with hospital when you went to a hospital which
looked more as a hotel than the usual hospital
you know is changed. After you have taught well,
your first impression of teaching as boring is
changed to teaching is exciting.
> Let us use positive symbols
in the form of gestures, words,
actions, and appearances to
express our trust, belief in our
students' abilities, an
affirmation of their being. We
find ourselves more prepared
in class, more caring, truly
professional.
> The symbolic interaction
perspective also known as
symbolic interactionism,
directs sociologists to
consider the symbols and
details of everyday life, what
these symbols mean, and how
people interact with each
other.
Weakness of Symbolic Interaction
Theory
> Critics claims that symbolic interactionism neglects
the macro level of social interpretation-the “big-
picture.” In other words, symbolic interactionists
may miss the larger issues of society by focusing too
closely on the “trees” or by restricting themselves to
small or individual interactions.
Thank You
Palos, Jimboy
Quilit, Rowel
GROUP 3 Vicero, Trixcy
Ngayan, Ritchie John
Manuel, John Kenneth