Sociology of Education: Methods, Inequality, and Social Impact
Sociological research aims to gain a richer and freer understanding of phenomena within the investigator’s scope or timeframe. Comparative research can be carried out in various ways using appropriate techniques.
Rational Critical Method
This method seeks to reclaim the exercise of rationality when considering the purposes of human activity. It is responsible for providing the means to enable discussion and appreciation of the rationality of ends, i.e., instrumental and theoretical rationality.
Quantitative Method
This method is empirical, based on secondary data or data obtained through action research, primarily using selected techniques. This method lends scientific guarantee to sociology.
Qualitative Method
Quantitative and qualitative methods are related. They do not exclude each other but are required and complementary. One feature of this method is its frequent use of language. Social reality consists of intersubjectively shared meanings expressed in language. These meanings are constitutive of that reality. Researchers must understand these meanings, which are shared within the social group. This reveals a complex social reality that might not be captured otherwise. This complexity leads to methodological distinctions that differentiate sociology from other sciences.
Education and Sociology
Education is a fundamental activity in society. The transmission of accumulated culture to new generations is necessary for social reproduction and progress. It is sometimes said that extending education to all citizens is the most effective way for societies to become fairer and more egalitarian.
Important Issues in the Sociology of Education:
- The school’s role in transmitting social or group behavior.
- The school as a means of societal integration.
- The education system as an engine of change.
Key Relationships in Sociology of Education
Education and Social Equality
Educational systems have often been viewed under the assumption that they are an effective means to achieve an egalitarian society. However, research has shown a direct relationship between an individual’s socioeconomic status and academic performance. The upper classes tend to achieve success, while the lower classes tend to fail. The school often embodies cultural values derived from the middle and upper classes, making it difficult for lower strata students to adapt.
Under what conditions can schools promote understanding for all? Open, democratic schools apply different models of social relations and have been tested successfully with many lower-class students.
Education and Work
Jobs require qualifications, meaning people need preparation regarding technological and scientific innovations. Few people work on innovation, while most work on routine tasks. Information is needed to implement innovation. However, while direct communication between the labor market and schools is necessary, it may not always align with their respective interests.
School and Identity Formation
The school is a key socializing institution shaping the identity of individuals with the core values of the dominant culture of society. Each society chooses the type of school that is most effective in producing the kind of people it needs. The role of the individual is studied, examining how people respond to problems and conflicts in society. These responses can affect social change.
Why Study Sociology of Education?
Sociology provides perspectives or knowledge different from common sense, but which are scientific, characterized by evidence and logical argument, and always open to contrast with the results of new investigations. The new sociology of education brings different perspectives to many aspects of school dynamics, collaborating with its transformation and improvement, and making the professional practices of teachers a more ethical, personal, and responsible choice.
In sociology, the subject and object often overlap: the researcher studying society is also part of that society. Conversely, the society being studied also influences the researcher. Therefore, our interests can influence the theories we develop, while research findings can, in turn, influence and change our lives.
Utility of Sociology of Education
Education aims at building moral values and achieving school models suitable for everyone. The course examines:
- Gender discrimination and social class.
- Providing training relevant to future employment.
- Teacher training.