Sociological Theories & Education PDF

**Structural Functionalism (Consensus theory)** Structural functionalism believes that society is like the human body, that each part has a function which it performs for the survival of the whole body. By this analogy, society is seen by the functionalists as being made up of various cooperative p...

**Structural Functionalism (Consensus theory)** Structural functionalism believes that society is like the human body, that each part has a function which it performs for the survival of the whole body. By this analogy, society is seen by the functionalists as being made up of various cooperative parts like the individual group and institution that performs role or functions for the survival of the society. Among the structural functionalist is Perilous (1978) who forwards the basic assumptions of the consensus theory as follows: i. **Integration**. The various part of the society are integrated, independent and complement one another. ii. **Consensus**. For society to function, there must be agreement among members on norms and values, which guide them to work for the good of the society. iii. **Structure and function**. Each part of the society must have a function to make the society survive. iv. **Stability**. There must be element of change as no society is completely static. However, the change should be gradual and orderly. **The Conflict Theory** The conflict theory is rooted in the writings of Karl Marx (1818-1883). In his proposition Marx stressed the importance of economic resources in social conflict. Marx saw fundamental differences in capitalist society between those who own the capital (the men of production) and those who did not and were therefore forced to work on wages under condition set by the capitalist. In this view, while the profit and capital of the dominant party always increase, the workers were exploited not just as individuals but as a class. Such mass exploitation laid to the foundation for conflict between the two groups for the control, distribution of power and resources. **Three basic assumptions guide the assertion of conflict theory as follows:** i. Groups have different types and amount of resources. Those groups with more resources (like land, money. education and political influence) will use them to their advantage and try to succeed over the other group. ii. Groups have divergent and competing interest which often lead to conflict. iii. Society is composed of groups such as classes, races, nationalities, sexes, professions etc. Conflict theory explains the stability of the society in terms of the power of the dominant group or classes. **\ \ 3.2.3 Sociological Theory and Education** The knowledge of sociological theories has great impacts in Nigerian education because the theories assist in providing different views as it relates to social wellbeing of the society. This is so because education is the major aspect of societal development. Each of the theories view education from a different direction.\ For example, considering the gender issue in some societies, the **[functionalist]** would view how gender inequality in education operates in all societies when it comes to the benefit and functions of different sexes based on their talents and abilities. The **[interactionist]** focus on how gender inequality in education affects people's behaviour in terms of the meaning they attach to the types of interaction that led to gender inequality in education.\ \ On the other hand, the **[conflict theory]** would focus on how gender inequality in education is imposed and maintained by the dominant gender (male) for their own advantage and at the expense of the less privileged gender (female).\ And many other viewpoint areas that the sociological theories affect education. **3.3 Social Stratification and School Achievement** **3.3.1 Social Stratification** The concept 'social stratification' is used to identify the unequal distribution of reward (or things perceived as valuable) among members of the society. Social stratification involves the division of social groups into layers or ranks. It refers to presence of Social groups which are ranked above the other, usually in terms of the amount of power, wealth and prestige their members possess. Members of a common stratum have a common identity, like interest and similar life style which will differentiate them from members of other social a stratum. They view themselves as superior to some and socially inferior to others. They enjoy or suffer the unequal distribution of reward in society as members of different social groups (Haralambos and Heald. 2008). There are three element of stratification within a society, as identified by a German sociologist Max Weber. They are class, status and power. **3.3.2 Social Stratification and School Achievement** Social stratification or individual groupings in the society either class, status or power has direct concern to the school achievement. This is because the individuals gain social position or status on the basis of personal effort and it opens competition with others. Those in highly placed stratum would do their best, for school achievement, by providing the needs of their children to achieve better in school. **3.4 Meaning of Socialization, Types, Agents and Importance** **3.4.1 Meaning** Socialization has been defined differently by many sociologists. Uche 1980) defines socialization as a process of learning and adjustment through which the individuals acquire and internalized the values, beliefs and behaviors which are both customary and acceptable to his fellows". It can also be defined as a process of social control which involves teaching or training people to act or behave in an acceptable way.\ From these definitions, it becomes therefore obvious that even human group or society has certain way of life, such as norms, customs, taboos and values which its members must observe. Socialization is also the process whereby an individual is integrated into the society where he finds himself.