Sociology of Education: Scope and Functionalism Theory
Scope of the Sociology of Education
a) Briefly explain the scope of the sociology of education.
Answer: The scope of the sociology of education is broad, examining the intricate relationship between education and society. It investigates how social institutions, structures, and individual experiences affect educational outcomes, and conversely, how education impacts society. Key areas within its scope include:
- Socialization and Culture: It studies how education transmits cultural norms, values, and
Population Dynamics: Fertility, Mortality, Migration & Gender Policy
1. Demography as a Science
Demography is a social science that studies the population and the laws of its development. It focuses on how many people live in a certain territory, how this population is structured, and how it changes over time. Demography does not look only at numbers, but also tries to understand why these changes happen and what consequences they bring for society.
First of all, demography studies the size of the population, its composition and its distribution. Composition means
Read MoreThe Foundations of Society: Culture, Socialization, and Key Sociological Theories
Elements of Culture
Language
Language is a system of symbols and rules used for communication. It is the foundation of culture because it allows people to share ideas, express feelings, and pass knowledge across generations. Through language, traditions, stories, and cultural practices can be preserved.
Example: In Malaysia, different cultural groups speak languages such as Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, and English. These languages allow communities to communicate and maintain their cultural heritage. Even
Sociology of Space and Architecture: Social Groups, Proxemics, Institutions
1. Sociology and Social Groups
Sociology is the scientific study of human social behavior, examining how people interact in groups ranging from small personal units to large institutions.
Primary Social Groups
- Small, intimate, face-to-face groups (micro level).
- Primary agents of socialization.
- Fulfill emotional needs and shape identity.
- Examples: family, close friends, married couples.
- Members are allowed into intimate space (0–50 cm).
Secondary Social Groups
- Large, formal, impersonal groups (macro level)
Social Identity and Diversity Terms with Examples
Social Identity & Diversity Terms with Examples
Asexuality — Lack of sexual attraction to others. Example: Someone who enjoys close friendships but does not feel sexual desire toward anyone.
Banal Nationalism — Everyday reminders of nationhood that unconsciously reinforce national identity. Example: Flags on government buildings; “domestic vs. international” news categories.
Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) — Tool measuring identification with masculine and feminine traits. Example: A person
Read MoreCritical Perspectives on Black Diaspora Identity and Struggle
I. Maafa: The Scope of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Gomez, Exchanging Our Country Marks, Chapter 1: “Time and Space”
Summary: Gomez explores how African identities were preserved, adapted, or transformed in the Americas. He challenges the idea that Africans lost their cultural roots during enslavement and instead argues that memory, kinship, and religion helped sustain African identities.
Key Concepts:
- Maafa: A Kiswahili term meaning “great disaster,” used to describe the transatlantic slave trade