Unit 3

• Structural-functional theory


  Society is viewed as a system of interconnected parts each with a unique function, which must work together for stability and balance of society
• The Dem Bones song introduces the structural-functional theory
• Structural-functional theory


  • Society is compared to the human body with different but interrelated parts performing different functions
  • If one part of the human body does not function well, the whole body is affected
  • If one component of society does not do its part, society will not function well
  • The overall health of the organism (society) depends upon the health of each structure
• The functionalist theory of education focuses on how education serves the need of society through the development of skills and encouraging social cohesion
• Purposes of schooling according to functionalists


  • Intellectual purposes - acquisition of cognitive skills, inquiry skills
  • Political purposes - educate future citizens; promote patriotism; promote assimilation of immigrants; ensure order, public civility and conformity to laws
  • Economic purposes - prepare students for later work roles; select and train the labor force needed by society
  • 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
• Conflict theory


  There are always two opposing sides in a conflict situation, and conflict is the way to the establishment of a new society
• According to conflict theory, education is a powerful means of maintaining power structures and creating a docile work force for capitalism
• Symbolic interactionist theory


  • An individual's action depends on meaning, which is given to symbols
  • Different people may give different meanings to the same thing
  • Meanings change as individuals interact with one another
• The symbolic interactionist perspective directs sociologists to consider the symbols and details of everyday life, what these symbols mean, and how people interact with each other
• Symbolic interactionism traces its origins to Max Weber's assertion that individuals act according to their interpretation of the meaning of their world
• Critics claim that symbolic interactionism neglects the macro level of social interpretation - the "big picture"