SED2601
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regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
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the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
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,SED2601 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2025 EXAM MEMO
Question 1
Sociology of Education mainly focuses on schools and their relationship with:
A. nature
B. children
C. society
D. globalisation
Explanation: It studies how schooling connects to social structures, norms, and
power in society.
Question 2
At a macro level, Sociology of Education examines:
A. teacher–learner interactions
B. individual learner achievement only
C. large social forces like economics and culture shaping schools
D. how principals treat learners
Explanation: Macro analysis focuses on broad social systems influencing schooling.
Question 3
Functionalism argues that social institutions (family, school, economy) are:
A. separate and independent
B. irrelevant to each other
C. interdependent parts that maintain social order
D. always harmful
Explanation: Functionalists see institutions as working together to keep society
stable.
Question 4
Two major functionalist theorists are:
A. Bowles and Gintis
B. Marx and Lenin
C. Durkheim and Parsons
D. Blackledge and Hunt
,Explanation: Durkheim and Parsons are key functionalist figures in education and
society.
Question 5
Merton’s “latent functions” are best described as:
A. intentional and obvious outcomes
B. unintentional, not obvious outcomes
C. only formal curriculum outcomes
D. outcomes that reject social norms
Explanation: Latent functions are hidden consequences of institutions like schools.
Question 6
Functionalists emphasise:
A. social solidarity
B. shared public values
C. consensus
D. A, B and C
Explanation: Functionalism stresses shared values and cohesion to maintain
stability.
Question 7
A common criticism of functionalism is that it:
A. rejects social order
B. encourages disorder in schools
C. is too critical of capitalism
D. does not question inequality and stratification sufficiently
Explanation: Critics say it normalises inequality by focusing on stability.
Question 8
Conflict theory maintains that:
A. inequality is inevitable in capitalism
B. society is in constant conflict and change
C. some groups hold more power than others
D. A, B and C
Explanation: Conflict theory highlights power struggles and unequal resources.
, Question 9
Conflict theory is mainly associated with:
A. microsociology only
B. conservatism
C. a macrosociological perspective
D. biology
Explanation: It analyses large structures like class, race, and power systems.
Question 10
Conflict theorists argue schools:
A. perpetuate inequality
B. reproduce social class outcomes
C. blame individuals for failure
D. A and B
Explanation: Conflict theory focuses on structural reproduction, not individual
blame.
Question 11
C. Wright Mills argues conflict exists due to:
A. unequal distribution of resources and power
B. society being naturally equal
C. schools being neutral
D. religion being irrelevant
Explanation: Mills highlights the “power elite” controlling major institutions.
Question 12
A criticism of conflict theory is that it can be:
A. too optimistic about schools
B. deterministic and underplays human agency
C. anti-learning and anti-education
D. only micro-based
Explanation: Critics say it sometimes ignores people’s ability to resist structures.
Question 13
Symbolic interactionism focuses on:
A. the bigger picture only
EXAM PACK
Recent exam questions and answers
Summarised study notes
Exam tips and guidelines
+27 81 278 3372
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
,SED2601 OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2025 EXAM MEMO
Question 1
Sociology of Education mainly focuses on schools and their relationship with:
A. nature
B. children
C. society
D. globalisation
Explanation: It studies how schooling connects to social structures, norms, and
power in society.
Question 2
At a macro level, Sociology of Education examines:
A. teacher–learner interactions
B. individual learner achievement only
C. large social forces like economics and culture shaping schools
D. how principals treat learners
Explanation: Macro analysis focuses on broad social systems influencing schooling.
Question 3
Functionalism argues that social institutions (family, school, economy) are:
A. separate and independent
B. irrelevant to each other
C. interdependent parts that maintain social order
D. always harmful
Explanation: Functionalists see institutions as working together to keep society
stable.
Question 4
Two major functionalist theorists are:
A. Bowles and Gintis
B. Marx and Lenin
C. Durkheim and Parsons
D. Blackledge and Hunt
,Explanation: Durkheim and Parsons are key functionalist figures in education and
society.
Question 5
Merton’s “latent functions” are best described as:
A. intentional and obvious outcomes
B. unintentional, not obvious outcomes
C. only formal curriculum outcomes
D. outcomes that reject social norms
Explanation: Latent functions are hidden consequences of institutions like schools.
Question 6
Functionalists emphasise:
A. social solidarity
B. shared public values
C. consensus
D. A, B and C
Explanation: Functionalism stresses shared values and cohesion to maintain
stability.
Question 7
A common criticism of functionalism is that it:
A. rejects social order
B. encourages disorder in schools
C. is too critical of capitalism
D. does not question inequality and stratification sufficiently
Explanation: Critics say it normalises inequality by focusing on stability.
Question 8
Conflict theory maintains that:
A. inequality is inevitable in capitalism
B. society is in constant conflict and change
C. some groups hold more power than others
D. A, B and C
Explanation: Conflict theory highlights power struggles and unequal resources.
, Question 9
Conflict theory is mainly associated with:
A. microsociology only
B. conservatism
C. a macrosociological perspective
D. biology
Explanation: It analyses large structures like class, race, and power systems.
Question 10
Conflict theorists argue schools:
A. perpetuate inequality
B. reproduce social class outcomes
C. blame individuals for failure
D. A and B
Explanation: Conflict theory focuses on structural reproduction, not individual
blame.
Question 11
C. Wright Mills argues conflict exists due to:
A. unequal distribution of resources and power
B. society being naturally equal
C. schools being neutral
D. religion being irrelevant
Explanation: Mills highlights the “power elite” controlling major institutions.
Question 12
A criticism of conflict theory is that it can be:
A. too optimistic about schools
B. deterministic and underplays human agency
C. anti-learning and anti-education
D. only micro-based
Explanation: Critics say it sometimes ignores people’s ability to resist structures.
Question 13
Symbolic interactionism focuses on:
A. the bigger picture only
