Social Dimensions of Education

Lovebella C. JaoDiscussant

Introduction to the Social Dimensions of Education

Consensus and Conflict Theory

Lovebella C. JaoDiscussant

Learning Objectives:

Differentiate the various social science theories,

Explain the relationship of the various social theories– the conflict, consensus, functionalism and interactionist theories-- and educational systems,

Discuss how the various social theories affect the functions of schools.

Consensus Theories Shared norms and values as fundamental to society Focus on social order based on tacit agreements Social change occurs in slow and orderly fashion

Conflict Theories Emphasize the dominance of some social groups See social order as manipulation and control by dominant groups Social change occurs rapidly and in a disorderly fashion

Consensus and Conflict Theory

Consensus is a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular society.

Conflict is a clash between ideas, principles and people.

Consensus

Examine value integration in society Absence of conflict is seen the equilibrium sets on a general or widespread agreement among all members of a particular society

Conflict

Examine conflicts of interest and coercion that holds society together Can be COVERT or OVERT Focus on the heterogeneous nature of society and the differential distribution of political and social power—Horton and Hunt ( 1984)

What is the impact of conflict theory in the Philippine education system ?

Schools contribute to the unequal distribution of people into jobs in society. Powerful members – best positions Less powerful groups ( minority, ethnic, racial, women) – lowest rank

What is the role of education in assuming the conflict theory?

Education plays in maintaining the prestige, power, and economic and social position of the dominant group in society.

What causes conflict within a particular human

society ???

How do people or an organization settle a

conflict ???

Conflicts need not be violent, it can take the form of labor negotiations, party politics, competition between religious groups.

Conflict theorists are interested in how society’s institutions – the family, government, religion, education, and the media – may help to maintain the privileges of some groups and keep others in a subservient position .

Consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance or continuation of social order in society, in relation to accepted norms, values, rules and regulations as widely accepted or collectively by the society or within a particular society itself.

The Conflict Model

Social structures produce patterns of inequality in the distribution of scarce resources

Conflict

Reorganization and Change

The proponents of consensus and conflict sociological and social theories are :

Karl Marx Emile Durkheim Max Weber Talcott Parsons & Robert Merton Louis Althusser & Ralph Dahrendorf Herbert Mead & Herbert Blumer

Max Weber – schools teach and maintain particular “status cultures”

Status cultures refers to groups in society with similar interests and positions in the status hierarchy.

Schools are homogeneous in their student bodies.

Education systems train individuals in specialties to fill needed positions or prepare “cultivated individuals”

Thank You!!!