Understanding Disciplines and Subjects

Q: How is education a socially contrived system? Comment. Also explain

the factors influencing it.

Education as a Socially Contrived System:

Education is a socially contrived system because it is constructed, shaped, and

influenced by societal norms, values, beliefs, cultures, customs, traditions, and
ideologies. It reflects the social, political, economic, historical, and cultural contexts in
which it operates and evolves. Education is not a neutral or objective system; it is deeply
embedded in and influenced by the broader social structure and dynamics of society.

Factors Influencing Education as a Socially Contrived System:

​ Societal Values and Norms: The values, norms, and expectations of society play
a significant role in shaping education. Education often reflects and reinforces
societal values, beliefs, and norms, influencing what is considered important,
relevant, and acceptable knowledge and behavior.
​
​ Cultural Context: The cultural context of a society influences education by
determining the curriculum, content, methods, and practices that are deemed
appropriate and relevant. Education reflects cultural traditions, customs,
languages, histories, and identities, shaping students' cultural awareness,
understanding, and appreciation.
​
​ Political and Ideological Influences: Politics and ideology influence education by
shaping educational policies, priorities, objectives, and practices. Education can
be used as a tool for socialization, indoctrination, and political social control,
promoting specific ideologies, values, beliefs, and worldviews.
​
​ Economic Factors: Economic factors, such as labor market demands,
technological advancements, globalization, and socio-economic inequalities,
influence education by shaping educational goals, priorities, skills, competencies,
 and training. Education is often linked to economic development, workforce
preparation, and socio-economic mobility.
​
​ Historical Context: The historical context of a society influences education by
shaping educational traditions, legacies, reforms, movements, and changes over
time. Education reflects historical events, developments, movements, and
transformations, influencing educational philosophies, approaches, and
practices.
​
​ Social Inequalities and Stratification: Social inequalities, stratification, and
disparities, such as class, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, language, and disability,
influence education by shaping access, opportunities, experiences, outcomes,
and equity in education. Education can perpetuate or challenge social
inequalities and disparities.
​
​ Technological Advancements: Technological advancements and innovations
influence education by shaping educational technologies, digital learning
environments, online learning platforms, and technological literacy. Technology
impacts teaching, learning, communication, collaboration, assessment, and
access in education.
​
​ Educational Policies and Reforms: Educational policies, reforms, initiatives, and
changes implemented by governments, policymakers, educational institutions,
and stakeholders influence education by determining curriculum standards,
objectives, content, methods, assessments, resources, funding, and
accountability.
​
​ Globalization and International Influences: Globalization and international
influences, such as international organizations, agreements, standards, trends,
movements, collaborations, exchanges, and comparisons, influence education by
shaping global perspectives, competencies, curricula, practices, and challenges.
​
​ Community and Parental Expectations: Community and parental expectations,
involvement, engagement, support, and feedback influence education by shaping
educational priorities, practices, partnerships, and relationships between schools,
families, and communities.

In summary, education is a socially contrived system that is constructed, shaped, and

influenced by various societal factors, including societal values and norms, cultural
context, political and ideological influences, economic factors, historical context, social
inequalities and stratification, technological advancements, educational policies and
reforms, globalization and international influences, and community and parental
expectations. These factors interact and intersect to shape and define the purpose,
goals, objectives, content, methods, practices, experiences, opportunities, challenges,
and outcomes of education in diverse and dynamic ways, reflecting and responding to
the broader social structure and dynamics of society