My perspective on the ‘sociological theory of education’ is based on the structural functionalism theory of Emile Durkheim (Bessant &Watts 2007, p. 41). I agree with Durkheim’s view that the underlying role of education as one of socializing people into mainstream society (Theories of Education, 2020).
In the perspective of structural functionalism, the society is like a human body and institutional structures of the community such as schools, churches and family behaves like body parts such as the kidney, lungs, and eyes. Each element has its function, and if any part is malfunctioning the whole body/ society structure will be threatened ( Bessant & Watts, 2007, p. 41).
Formal and informal education is a significant part of society. This “moral education,” as Durkheim called it, has helped bring together people from diverse backgrounds to form a more cohesive social structure (Theories of Education, 2020).
I do not agree with my chosen theorist Antonio Gramsci’s view that the education system is being used as a tool in the capitalist society to maintain the status quo. I support the belief that preserving the balanced, cohesive society is in the best interest of all beings. My own experience refugee students who were disadvantaged and let down in the society due to lack of support. With the correct support system to develop skills and job training of those disadvantaged people may find an employment and become valuable members and supporting the coherence of society.
I do agree with Antonio’s view that informal education plays an essential part in one’s self-awareness and cultural awareness and is crucial to the intellectual part of everyone’s life (Burke,1999-2005). In my cultural background, informal training is highly valued and has helped me to shape social values, such as respecting elders which is an integral part of my life.
As an educator, I work with devised cohorts of students including matured refugee students which allowed me to understand the role of education within the principles of structural functionalism. The learners learn for better future and aspiration.
Refugee students struggle due to low English skills, dealing with past traumatic experiences, social and cultural norms such as Arabic women needing to stay at home. As a trainer, by providing and support, and encouragement, I have seen refugee students perform very well and with the new skills they gain at TAFE, become very productive members of the society and support the cohesive social structure.
It’s a privilege to be a part of their educational journey, and I share my knowledge and skills to improve the livelihoods of these students and to see them as a part of the cohesive social structure makes me extremely happy.
References
Bessant, J., & Watts, R. (2002). Sociology Australia. (2ND ed.). Crow’s Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin, 2007.
Burke, B. (1999, 2005) ‘Antonio Gramsci, schooling and education’, The encyclopaedia of pedagogy and informal education,http://www.infed.org/thinkers/et-gram.htm.
Theories of Education. (2020). Retrieved from cliffsnotes.com: https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study- guides/sociology/education/theories-of-education