What is a Social Institute?

Social Institute – an organized way that a society develops to meet its basic needs.

Theories on socialization

Functional perspective – society is set up to meet the

needs of each member

Socialization is a process that prepares each individual for their role in society.

Theories on socialization

Conflict perspective –Society is created by the

powerful and there is a constant struggle between interest parties for power.

Therefore socialization is used to constrain people

Schools as Social Institutes

Students

As students, what is your job/role in school?

So What’s the point of School?

Transmit knowledge and skills to next generation

Socialize students (But what does this mean?)

Functionalist Theory

Schools teach students how to:Be on time for classLearn the curriculum materialGet used to rewards for top gradesSubmit to teachers authority

Conflict Theory

Schools teach students:to understand that time belongs to

their employerHow to do boring, repetitive jobsThat success and money will lead

to good livesTo respect authority figures later in

life (managers, officers, doctors etc.)

So...

What do YOU think the purpose of school is?

(Discuss with the people around you...)