“Education they say is wealth”. This brings us to the topic of discussion on the theories of education. Education theory is the theory that focuses on the reason, usefulness, and understanding of learning. Education theory can also be said to be the knowledge that is conveyed into a person to meet an ethical standard of living and interaction with people in society.
The functionalist perspective on the purposes and prospect of education is that every person belongs to the society; hence, having self-right and reason of belonging in the society. The functionalist further stated that Education brings about the purpose of socialization and occupational training in every society (Andersen & Taylor 2006, p.353). Diana Kendall in her book stated that the standard of education is very low and not encouraging, in that academic training does not promote the high standard required at work and in the society, hence, inability to meet the good standard of knowledge required of them. (Kendall 2009, p.394).
The conflict perspective on the purposes and prospects of education is that before the dominant class has a ploy of exploiting the masses in the society. They further stated that there is competition among collections of people for power, income, and social status, highlighting the role which education plays in such conflict (Andersen & Taylor 2006, p.354). The conflicts view is on the link between learning and discrimination in society. The conflicts stated that education often brings about the difference in class, racism, and discriminations among the youths (the rich against the poor). The said youths isolate themselves from the low-class thereby inconveniencing others with their position (Kendall 2009 p.396).
The interactions perspective on the purpose and prospects of education is the way people communicate and how they interact socially in their classroom or their academic years and how education is being practiced (Andersen & Taylor 2006 p.354).
The functionalist asserted that since education is one of the most significant mechanisms in society, the youths are to be taught the elements of education and survival means in the society hence valuing others’ needs (Kendall 2009, p.417). The conflicts, on the other hand, asserted that schools should make the youths learn or comprehend the issues related to ethnicity, class, and gender inequalities by giving the youth sound knowledge of education by teaching matters related to conflicts and power in the society. However, the interactions asserted that education should be an avenue where the youths are to be taught how to interact socially, thereby making them gain more knowledge and to be useful and successful in society (Andersen & Taylor 2006, p.355).
Education is regarded as developmental knowledge which teaches people about ethical behavior in society; it should not be used to practice any form of discrimination, irrespective of class. The saying that “knowledge is power” is to be the main focus in every person, because with knowledge one can always fit into any class or group of people they come in contact with. With the importance of education in life and backed with sound educational background, one can always move from low-class to the high-class in the society such that with a good degree there is the tendency of being employed, irrespective of the class one belongs.
Reference list
- Andersen, M. L., & Taylor, H. F. (2006). Sociology: the essentials. Belmont, CA Cengage Learning.
- Kendall, D. (2009). Sociology in Our Times: The Essentials. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.