Jason, Mabel M.

BEED2B

Assignment No. 3(prelim)

Title: The Social Science Theories and Their Implications to Education

EXTEND Let’s Check your Understanding

1. The purpose of schooling according to the functionalist theory are:

1.) Intellectual purposes- acquisition of cognitive skills, inquiry skill

2.) Political purposes- educate future citizens; promote patriotism; promote assimilation of immigrants;
ensure order, public civility and conformity to laws

3.) Economic Purposes- prepare students for later work roles; select and train the labor force needed by
society

4.) 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.

Question: Cite how schools at present are working on the realization of these 4 purposes as cited by the
functionalists.

Education, according to functionalists, is an essential social institution that performs both visible and
secret roles. Education, according to functionalists, serves society's needs by training students for later
positions, or functions, in society.

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?

I disagree because, on a more personal level, loyalty means a person's devotion and dedication to
another, which allows respect and confidence to grow. In both our professional and personal lives,
loyalty is key. We value loyalty because it helps us to take the risk of predicting the actions and behavior
of people we trust.

3. Individuals act based on meaning. This meaning is based on individuals’ experiences. Meanings
change. Give two implications of these symbolic interactionist thoughts to education.

The two implications of these symbolic interactionist thoughts to education are the following:

 • We behave in response to the meanings we assign to symbols. Actions, objects, and words can
all be used as symbols. If a student recognizes that his or her teacher believes in his or her
ability, he or she will do everything possible to demonstrate that he or she is capable. If a
 teacher behaves inappropriately, a student will act in accordance with the teacher's poor
judgment.
 • Some students interpret strictness from their teachers as a sign of concern. Others may rebel
because they believe their teacher's actions are restricting their freedom and desires.