Ivy L.

Tabañag MAEd-ELT 1

IMPACTS OF SOCIETY ON EDUCATION

The society plays an important role in education and influences it, both positively and
negatively. Social inequalities and unhealthy educational practices are some of the negative
influences of society on our lives. Customs and traditions that prevent certain sections of society
from exercising their fundamental rights shatter the basic ideas of education and social
awareness. Some social groups deny women’s right to education, some force children to work,
depriving them of educational opportunities, and some fail to provide individuals with an
environment conducive to their overall development. Education is one of the basic human rights.
If social norms deprive certain strata of society from progressing in life and come in the way of
social welfare, it defeats the purpose of education. The knowledge of what is right and wrong is
imparted during education. The study of history as well as arts and literature introduces students
to the culture and beliefs of the social group they belong to. Through education, the students are
introduced to the social norms as well as the customs and traditions of their social group. Thus,
the society and social beliefs influence education. Rather, they are a part of it.
(https://opinionfront.com/societys-influence-on-education)

“Society and education are tightly bound entities and, hence, cannot be separated from
each other. Society, in itself, is like an educational institution.” (Anonymous) Society plays an
important role in molding the development of an individual. Every person forms social groups
where they could socialize and exchange their perspectives which, in turn, provides
unconventional learning about various things and important life lessons. These, perhaps, triggers
both positive and negative impacts like the aforementioned above.

In the age of modernization or digital age, the learners are already well-adept with the 21 st
Century Skills especially when it comes to ICT. They are also more inclined in using the social
media or any internet platforms which influences them a lot. With this, it is very easy for them to
access variety of information and interact with other people across the web. This is proven to be
beneficial but then, at the same time, could also be detrimental. Adolescents nowadays are easily
influenced by what is trending in the social media and by what is shown in the television. They
are more likely to get swayed from what they considered as norms.

Thus, I believe that in order to inculcate the values of education, we should cement a firm
and solid foundation to each individuals/learners. Alongside formal education, the ‘non-formal’
education that we gain from society should gear more towards personal and professional growth,
success and empowerment.