Sociological

Sociological Theories

SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology

Education has continued to be a top priority in our society even more so in these hard economic times. People have come to understand that in order to live a good economic life you must possess knowledge. The only way to obtain a good paying job is to have an education the knowledge that you acquired in school will be put to use in your everyday functions in your employment. Having an education brings you a better chance to succeed and greater life changing opportunities functionalism theory describes education as a major quality other theories do not agree with functionalism theory. Sociologists have been studying the effects that education has on our society they do so by categories that are made up of three theories which are functionalism, conflict and interactionism theory.

Functionalism theory has a focus on society itself, society is viewed as a system of interrelated institutions and structures that are designed to address human needs Vissing, (2011). In this theory education is described and seen in a positive way, providing and receiving an education increases an individual’s knowledge as well as a better chance of success in life. In order for society to grow and expand people must gain knowledge that will help them increase their chances of obtaining a better job, having a better job allows you to live a better life economically and allows you to be a better provider for yourself and or your family. Having an education also allows you to help the society that you are in it can allow you to teach others the importance and benefits of education. Education is more than simply learning and teaching you learn social skills in school you also learn about things that are around you. Durkheim called it “moral education” this initiated people to form a social structure by bringing people of different backgrounds together. Functionalism theory has described society as better when working...