,SED2601 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS 2025
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1 1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
1.3 Explain the following concepts: a) Meritocracy (1) b) Social
class (1) c) Solidarity (1) d) Micro-sociological approach (1) e)
Macro-sociological approach (1
1.4 The assimilation and the transmission of culture and
traditions is one of the functions of the sociology of education.
How could this aim be achieved in the classroom? (6)
.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5) [20]
Question 1
1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
Sociology of education is the study of how social institutions,
structures, and processes influence education and how
education, in turn, affects society. It examines the role of
schools in socialization, inequality, and social mobility.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the systematic process of acquiring
knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through teaching,
training, and learning. It can take place in formal settings
(schools, universities) or informal settings (family, community).
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
,a) Meritocracy (1)
A system in which individuals achieve success based on their
abilities, efforts, and talents rather than their social background
or status.
b) Social class (1)
A hierarchical division of society based on factors such as
wealth, education, occupation, and social status.
c) Solidarity (1)
A sense of unity and shared purpose among individuals or
groups, which contributes to social cohesion and stability.
d) Micro-sociological approach (1)
An approach that focuses on small-scale interactions between
individuals or groups, such as teacher-student relationships in
the classroom.
e) Macro-sociological approach (1)
An approach that examines large-scale social structures, such as
the education system's role in maintaining social order and
reproducing inequalities.
1.4 The assimilation and the transmission of culture and
traditions is one of the functions of the sociology of
education. How could this aim be achieved in the classroom?
(6)
This aim can be achieved through:
Curriculum content: Teaching history, language, and
cultural traditions to help learners understand their heritage.
Multicultural education: Encouraging respect for diverse
cultural backgrounds through inclusive teaching practices.
, School rituals and celebrations: Observing national and
cultural events such as Heritage Day.
Storytelling and literature: Using stories, folktales, and
literature to preserve cultural traditions.
Language preservation: Teaching indigenous languages
and promoting bilingual or multilingual education.
Interactive activities: Engaging learners in cultural
projects, performances, and discussions to foster
appreciation for traditions.
1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5)
Overemphasis on stability: Functionalism assumes that
society is always stable and cohesive, overlooking conflicts
and social change.
Ignores inequality: It fails to address how education can
reproduce class, gender, and racial inequalities.
Deterministic perspective: It assumes that individuals
passively accept their social roles rather than actively
shaping their own lives.
Neglects individual agency: The theory focuses more on
society’s needs than on individuals’ choices and
experiences.
Limited view of power structures: It does not critically
examine how dominant groups use education to maintain
power and control.
Total: (20 marks)
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
Question 1 1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
1.3 Explain the following concepts: a) Meritocracy (1) b) Social
class (1) c) Solidarity (1) d) Micro-sociological approach (1) e)
Macro-sociological approach (1
1.4 The assimilation and the transmission of culture and
traditions is one of the functions of the sociology of education.
How could this aim be achieved in the classroom? (6)
.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5) [20]
Question 1
1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
Sociology of education is the study of how social institutions,
structures, and processes influence education and how
education, in turn, affects society. It examines the role of
schools in socialization, inequality, and social mobility.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the systematic process of acquiring
knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through teaching,
training, and learning. It can take place in formal settings
(schools, universities) or informal settings (family, community).
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
,a) Meritocracy (1)
A system in which individuals achieve success based on their
abilities, efforts, and talents rather than their social background
or status.
b) Social class (1)
A hierarchical division of society based on factors such as
wealth, education, occupation, and social status.
c) Solidarity (1)
A sense of unity and shared purpose among individuals or
groups, which contributes to social cohesion and stability.
d) Micro-sociological approach (1)
An approach that focuses on small-scale interactions between
individuals or groups, such as teacher-student relationships in
the classroom.
e) Macro-sociological approach (1)
An approach that examines large-scale social structures, such as
the education system's role in maintaining social order and
reproducing inequalities.
1.4 The assimilation and the transmission of culture and
traditions is one of the functions of the sociology of
education. How could this aim be achieved in the classroom?
(6)
This aim can be achieved through:
Curriculum content: Teaching history, language, and
cultural traditions to help learners understand their heritage.
Multicultural education: Encouraging respect for diverse
cultural backgrounds through inclusive teaching practices.
, School rituals and celebrations: Observing national and
cultural events such as Heritage Day.
Storytelling and literature: Using stories, folktales, and
literature to preserve cultural traditions.
Language preservation: Teaching indigenous languages
and promoting bilingual or multilingual education.
Interactive activities: Engaging learners in cultural
projects, performances, and discussions to foster
appreciation for traditions.
1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5)
Overemphasis on stability: Functionalism assumes that
society is always stable and cohesive, overlooking conflicts
and social change.
Ignores inequality: It fails to address how education can
reproduce class, gender, and racial inequalities.
Deterministic perspective: It assumes that individuals
passively accept their social roles rather than actively
shaping their own lives.
Neglects individual agency: The theory focuses more on
society’s needs than on individuals’ choices and
experiences.
Limited view of power structures: It does not critically
examine how dominant groups use education to maintain
power and control.
Total: (20 marks)
