Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

Unit 2: Society and Education.

Lesson B: Sociological Perspectives

Intended Learning Outcome:

At the end of the lesson students should be able to:
A. Explain the importance of different philosophies and sociological theories to
education and how they change the education landscape in response to the needs of
the society and the community.

Content:
1. Social Dimensions of Education

Conflict theory - Is a social theory that states that social change should occur in
institutions that are provided by a political or economic system, which is fair. The theory
also states that the absence of conflict within a society is the state of equilibrium.

Consensus theory - According to conflict theory, inequality exists because those in

control of a disproportionate share of society's resources actively def Structural
Functionalism - Structural Functionalism states that society is made up of various
institutions that work together in cooperation. Parsons' structural functionalism has four
functional imperatives also known as AGIL scheme. End their advantages.

Proponents
Karl Max
According to this view, ever since human society emerged from
its primitive and relatively undifferentiated state it has remained
fundamentally divided between classes who clash in the pursuit of
class interests

Max Weber
Believed that it was social actions that should be the focus of
study in sociology. To Weber, a "social action" was an action
carried out by an individual to which an individual attached a
meaning.
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

Émile Durkheim
Developed a vigorous methodology combining empirical
research with sociological theory. He is widely regarded as the
founder of the French school of sociology.

Talcott Parsons and Robert Merton

Suggested, for example, that a division of labor
(distinct, specialized functions) between husband and
wife is essential for family stability and social order.

Louis Althusser & Ralph Dahrendorf

All practices are depended upon one another; the
practice constitutes the people. As part of the
superstructure, education is shaped by the
infrastructure.

Structural Functionalism

Structural Functionalism - Structural Functionalism states that society is made up of

various institutions that work together in cooperation. Parsons' structural functionalism
has four functional imperatives also known as AGIL scheme.

1. Adaptation - a system must cope with external situational exigencies. It must adapt
to its environment and adapt environment to its needs.

2. Goal attainment- a system must define and achieve its primary goals.

3. Integration- a system must regulate the interrelationship of its component parts. It

must also manage the relationship among the other three functional imperatives (A,G,L)
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

4. Latency (pattern maintenance)- a system must furnish, maintain and renew both
the motivation of individuals and the cultural patterns that create and sustain the
motivation.

Interactionist Theory
The interactionist theory was first suggested by Jerome Bruner in 1983 who believed
that, although children do have an innate ability to learn language, they also require
plenty of direct contact and interaction with others to achieve full language fluency.

In other words, the theory of interaction suggests that children can't learn to speak just
by watching TV or listening to conversations. They have to fully engage with others and
understand the contexts in which language is used.

Caregivers tend to provide the linguistic support that helps a child learn to speak. They
correct mistakes, simplify their own speech and build the scaffolding that helps a child to
develop language. This support from caregivers can also be referred to as the
'Language Acquisition Support System' (LASS).

The interactionist approach looks at both social and biological perspectives to explain
how children develop language. It moves away from Noam Chomsky's Nativist Theory
which failed to recognise the importance of the social environment in language
acquisition.

The interactionist theory also suggests that:

Children learn language as they have the desire to communicate with the world around
them (i.e., it is a communication tool to do things like interact with others, ask for food,
and demand attention!)
Language develops depending on social interactions. This includes the people with
whom a child may interact and the overall experience of the interaction.
The social environment a child grows up in greatly affects how well and how quickly
they develop their language skills.

Interactionist Theory Meaning

Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) first laid the foundations for the interactionist theory when he
developed the sociocultural theory of language development.

Vygotsky suggested that children acquire their cultural values and beliefs through
interacting and collaborating with more knowledgeable people in their community
(conveniently called the 'more knowledgeable other'). He also emphasised the
importance of the cultural and social context in language learning, arguing that social
learning often comes before language development.
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

2. Schools and Social Institutions

Social Institutions

Social institutions have been created by man from social relationships in society to meet
such basic needs as stability, law and order and clearly defined roles of authority and
decision making. Every organization is dependent upon certain recognized and
established set of rules, traditions and usages. These usages and rules may be given
the name of institutions. These are the forms of procedure which are recognized and
accepted by society and govern the relations between individuals and groups.

Definition
Wood ward and Maxwell: An institution is a set of folkways and mores into a unit
which serves a number of social functions.
Horton: An institution is an organized system of social relationships which embodies
certain common values and procedures and meets certain basic needs of society.
Landis: Social institutions are formal cultural structures devised to meet basic social
needs.

Characteristics
i. Institutions are the means of controlling individuals.
ii. Institutions depend upon the collective activities of men.
iii. The institution has some definite procedures which are formed on the basis of
customs and dogmas.
iv. Institution is more stable than other means of social control.
v. Every institution has some rules which must be compulsorily obeyed by the individual.

Five major institutions in rural sociology are political, educational, economic, family and
religion.
1. Political: Government as political institution, administers the regulatory functions of
Law and order, and maintains security in society. Form of government and its method of
working depends on the accepted patterns of behavior in a society. Development work
is now-a-days a major responsibility of the government. For effective implementation of
programmers, government may decentralize its functioning by creating local self-
government like panchayats at different level.

2. Education: is the process of socialization, which begins informally at home and then
formally in educational institutions. Education as an institution helps develop knowledge,
skill, attitude and understanding of the people and strive to make them competent
members of the society. Education widens the mental horizon of the people and make
them receptive to new ideas.

3. Economic: Economy provides basic physical sustenance of the society by meeting

the needs for food, shelter, clothing, and other necessary supply and services.
Economic institutions include agriculture, industry, marketing, credit and banking
system, co-operatives etc.

4. Family: is the most basic social institution in a society, and is a system of organized
relationship involving workable and dependable ways of meeting basic social needs.
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North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

5. Religion: is belief in supernatural. Religion constitutes a set of beliefs regarding the

ultimate power in the universe, the ideal and proper pattern of behaviour, and
ceremonial ways to expressing these beliefs. Religion also provides a foundation for the
mores of the society. Taboos in various cultures have religious sanction. Religion
provides a means by which individuals can face crises and ups and downs in life with
strength and fortitude.

Function
1. Sex regulation.
2. Reproduction and perpetuation of the family and human race.
3. Socialization
4. Provision of economic maintenance and livelihood in many cultures.
5. Provision of love, affection and security to the individual.
6. Provision of class status to the individual of the family into which he has been
born.

Definition of Family
Family is defined by Burgers and Locke as a group of persons united by the ties of
marriage, blood or adoption; constituting a single household, interacting and inter
communicating with each other in their respective social roles of husband and wife,
mother and father, son and daughter, brother and sister, creating a common culture.
Eliott and Merrill defined the family as "the biological social unit composed of
husband, wife and children".

Characteristics of family
Family is the most universal group. Family is classified based on structure (patriarchal
or matriarchal) and residence.
1. Patriarchal family
It is the family where male is the head of family inclusive of powers. He is the owner and
administrator of the family property and right. To him all persons living in the family are
subordinated.

2. Matriarchal family
The authority vests in the woman head of the family. The male is subordinated to her.
She is the owner of property and rules over family. This type of family is said to prevail
among the primitive people, who led a wandering or hunting life.

3. Based on residence the family is classified as

a) Matrilocal family: In this type of family husband goes to live in the house of his wife.
b) Patrilocal family: Wife goes and lives in the house of her husband.

4. Based on the marriage the family is classified as:

i. Monogamous family: In which man marries one woman only at one time.
ii. Polygamous family: In this kind of family one man marries many women at one time.
iii. Polyandrous family: In. this kind of family one man marries many women and lives
with all of them or each of them alternatively.

5. The family is also classified based on ancestry as follows:

i. Matrilineal family: Here woman is believed to be the ancestor of the family.
ii. Patrilineal family: Here the ancestry continues through the father.

6. Religion: is belief in super natural. Religion constitutes a set of beliefs regarding the
ultimate power in the universe, the ideal and proper pattern of behavior and ceremonial
 Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

ways of expressing these beliefs. Religion also provides a foundation for the mores of
the society. Taboos in various cultures have religious sanction. Religion provides a
means by which individuals can face crises and ups and downs in life with strength and
fortitude.

3. Education 4.0: Responding to the demands of Society

"Education 4.0" refers to the evolution of education systems to meet the changing
demands of society in the fourth industrial revolution. This era is characterized by the
integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, automation, big
data, and the Internet of Things, into various aspects of our daily lives. As these
technologies continue to reshape industries and job markets, education must adapt to
prepare individuals for the skills and knowledge needed in this rapidly changing
landscape.

Here are some key aspects of Education 4.0 and how it responds to the demands of
society:

1. Technology Integration:
Digital Learning Platforms: Education 4.0 leverages digital platforms and online
resources to enhance the learning experience. This includes e-learning modules, virtual
classrooms, and interactive multimedia content.
Adaptive Learning Systems: Intelligent systems use data analytics to personalize
learning experiences based on individual student needs, ensuring that education is
tailored to different learning styles and paces.

2. Interdisciplinary Learning:
Integration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics):
Education 4.0 emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, recognizing the interconnected
nature of these fields. This approach helps students develop holistic problem-solving
skills and prepares them for the complex challenges of the modern world.
STEAM (STEM + Arts): Recognizing the importance of creativity and innovation,
Education 4.0 integrates arts into STEM education to foster well-rounded individuals
with a diverse skill set.

3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

Project-Based Learning: Education 4.0 promotes project-based learning, where
students work on real-world problems, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and
creativity.
Coding and Computational Thinking: Basic coding skills are increasingly becoming
essential in the digital age. Education 4.0 emphasizes the importance of computational
thinking and coding across various disciplines.

4. Lifelong Learning:
Continuous Skill Development: In a rapidly changing job market, individuals need to
be adaptable. Education 4.0 encourages a mindset of lifelong learning, where
individuals continuously update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers.
Micro-Credentials and Online Certifications: Recognizing the need for flexible learning
pathways, Education 4.0 supports the use of micro-credentials and online certifications
that allow individuals to acquire specific skills quickly.

5. Global Citizenship and Social Responsibility:

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North Eastern Mindanao State University
Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, 8308
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

Cultural Competence: Education 4.0 prepares students to be global citizens by

promoting cultural competence and understanding. This includes exposure to diverse
perspectives and global issues.
Social and Environmental Awareness: Addressing societal challenges, Education 4.0
encourages a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness. This fosters
a generation of learners who are not only skilled but also socially conscious.

6. Teacher's Role as Facilitators:

Facilitators of Learning: In Education 4.0, teachers shift from traditional lecturers to
facilitators of learning. They guide and support students in exploring and constructing
knowledge independently.
Emphasis on Soft Skills: Teachers play a crucial role in nurturing students' soft skills,
such as communication, collaboration, and adaptability, which are vital in the modern
workplace.

Education 4.0 is an ongoing transformation that recognizes the dynamic nature of the
world and seeks to prepare individuals for success in the face of constant change. By
embracing technology, fostering critical thinking, promoting interdisciplinary learning,
and emphasizing global citizenship, Education 4.0 responds to the demands of a rapidly
evolving society.