Easy Literature: Sociology and education

Sociology

The word Sociology is derived from the combination of the Latin word ‘socius’ – meaning ‘companion’ and the Greek word ‘logos’ – meaning ‘the study of’. So the word literally means the study of companionship, or social relations.

In a simple definition, Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions.

Relationship between Sociology and education

Emile Durkheim indicated the need for a sociological approach to education. He emphasized that education is not a static phenomenon, but a dynamic and ever-changing process.

On other words, the prime concern of sociology is socialized individuals while education is the process of socializing individuals.

Sociology studies the structure and functions of social systems, while education is one of the important functions of any social system.

Socialization

Socialization is the process through which a person, from birth through death, is taught the norms, customs, values, and roles of the society in which they live.

Characteristics of socialization

Inculcates basic discipline
Helps to control human behaviour
Socialisation takes place formally and informally
Socialisation is continuous process

Agencies of socialization

Family
Peer Group
Religion
Educational Institutions
Occupation
Political Parities
Mass Media

Social mobility

Social mobility, movement of individuals, families, or groups through a system of social hierarchy or stratification. Or a person’s ability to move between social positions depends upon their economic, cultural, human, and social capital. There are two types of social mobility.

Horizontal social mobility
Vertical social mobility

Horizontal social mobility

If the mobility involves a change of position in occupation, but not the social class.

Vertical social mobility

If the mobility involves a change of position in social class.

Upward mobility – moving up in the social class

Downward mobility – moving down in the social class

Factors affecting social mobility

Structure of the society
Religious beliefs and superstitious
Demographic structure (population)
Economic factors
Political factors
Motivation
Achievements and Failures
Skills and Training
Education

Education and social mobility

Education and social mobility are closely related. Education tries to develop ability and capacity in individuals to gain higher status, positions or prestige and promotes effective social mobility. A strongly motivated individual will be willing to sacrifice his immediate comforts and pleasure for a better future. A poor student may work hard to receive higher education in order to have upward social mobility. Therefore education plays a big role in social mobility.

Education sharpens the intellect, widens the vision, helps in the wholesome and balanced development of man and above all it leads to social , economic and political development of a nation.
Both the streams of education i.e. formal and Non-formal play a great role in bringing about social mobility
Formal education is directly and causally related to social mobility. This relationship is generally understood to be one in which formal education itself is a cause or one of the cause of vertical social mobility.
Education is directly related to occupational mobility and the subsequent improvement lin economic status and on the other hand, kit forms and element of social change. Persons with higher education and better employment are respected more in the society.
It is a purpose of education to develop within the individual such motivation as will make him to work hard for the improvement of his social position
Higher education helps in gaining higher income and, thus, education is an ;important means for upward social mobility.