CHAPTER 13 EDUCATION AND

RELIGION Describe the 5 social functions

of education.

What are the social benefits that education provides?

DESCRIBE THE IDEAL HIGH SCHOOL. 1. Which courses would it offer?2. Which extracurricular activities would

it offer? 3. What would its priorities be, and how

would it reinforce these priorities in its policies?

FUNCTIONALISM When the parts of society are working

properly, each contributes to the well-being of the whole society.

Manifest functions: positive, intended consequences.

Latent functions: unintended consequences.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS Our society needs highly educated

peopleSchools function to teach the knowledge

and skills needed in society

Skills: reading, writing, math, ?

VALUES Cultural transmission of values: a

process by which schools pass on society’s core valuesUS: private property, individualism, and

competition Japan: law requires that schools cultivate a

“respect for tradition and culture, love for nation and homeland”

SOCIAL INTEGRATION Sense of national identity

Saluting flag/pledge of alliegance Teach mainstream ideas to millions of

immigrantsSame political views; no rebellion

GATEKEEPING Society benefits when people are sorted

according to their abilities and ambitions.Gatekeeping: Determining which people will

enter what occupations.

Credentialing: using diplomas and degrees to determine who is eligible for a job

Tracking: sorting students into different educational programs based on perceived abilities.

REPLACING FAMILY FUNCTIONS Child care: Elementary schools offer care before

and after school.

Daycare for children of teenage students at schools.

Sex education: school-based health centers, birth control.

How have your experiences in education (including teachers, classes, etc.) influenced your goals, attitudes, and values? How have your classmates influenced you?

HOME SCHOOLING 1. Why do you think that home schooling has

become so popular?

2. Do you think this social movement could eventually become a threat to U.S. public schools?

3. Would you consider home schooling your children? Why or why not?

4. Does home schooling work?

5. Can parents who are not trained as teachers actually teach?

MANIFEST FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

Cultural reproduction. Social control. Assimilation. Training and development. Selection and allocation of statuses. The promotion of change.

LATENT FUNCTIONS AND DYSFUNCTIONS1. The production of a generation gap.2. The custodial care of children.3. The creation of a youth subculture.4. The rationalization of inequality.5. The perpetuation of social inequality.