,SED2601 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS 2025
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations…..WE WISH YOU ALL
THE BEST
All questions answered with references.
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)
1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5) [20]
1.1 Define the Sociology of Education (2)
The sociology of education is a subfield of sociology that
studies how education as a social institution influences
individuals, groups, and society. It examines the ways in which
educational systems, policies, practices, and structures
contribute to shaping social relationships, behaviors, norms, and
values. The sociology of education also looks at how social
factors such as class, race, gender, and culture affect access to
and outcomes from education. Essentially, it focuses on the
social aspects of education and how it relates to broader social
,processes, including social stratification, inequality, and
socialization.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills,
values, and attitudes through various forms of instruction,
training, or personal development. It is an intentional process
aimed at fostering intellectual, moral, and social growth.
Education can take place in formal settings, such as schools and
universities, or informal settings, like home and community
environments. Education helps individuals develop the
competencies necessary for personal and social development,
enabling them to function effectively in society.
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy (1): Meritocracy is a system in which
individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their
abilities, skills, and efforts rather than their social status,
family background, or other ascribed characteristics. In a
meritocratic society, success is determined by merit,
typically measured through academic or professional
achievements.
b) Social Class (1): Social class refers to the hierarchical
division of people in a society based on factors such as
income, wealth, education, occupation, and social status. It
influences access to resources, opportunities, and life
chances, and often plays a significant role in shaping
individuals' experiences and outcomes in life.
c) Solidarity (1): Solidarity refers to the sense of unity,
cooperation, and mutual support among members of a
, group or society. It is the feeling of belonging and shared
responsibility that helps maintain social cohesion and
collective well-being, often built through shared values,
norms, and goals.
d) Micro-sociological Approach (1): The micro-
sociological approach focuses on small-scale, individual
interactions within society. It examines everyday behaviors,
individual actions, and personal relationships, often
exploring how individuals perceive, respond to, and
influence their social environments.
e) Macro-sociological Approach (1): The macro-
sociological approach looks at large-scale social structures,
systems, and institutions. It studies the broader societal
patterns and processes, such as the economy, politics,
education systems, and social policies, and how they
influence groups and individuals on a larger scale.
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)
To achieve the aim of assimilation and transmission of culture
and traditions in the classroom, educators can implement
several strategies:
Curriculum Design: The curriculum can incorporate
lessons on national history, cultural practices, customs,
language, and heritage to help students understand and
connect with their cultural roots.
Cultural Celebrations: Schools can organize events that
celebrate diverse cultural traditions, such as festivals,
(209428) - DUE 25 June 2025; 100% TRUSTED Complete,
trusted solutions and explanations…..WE WISH YOU ALL
THE BEST
All questions answered with references.
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)
1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism theory? (5) [20]
1.1 Define the Sociology of Education (2)
The sociology of education is a subfield of sociology that
studies how education as a social institution influences
individuals, groups, and society. It examines the ways in which
educational systems, policies, practices, and structures
contribute to shaping social relationships, behaviors, norms, and
values. The sociology of education also looks at how social
factors such as class, race, gender, and culture affect access to
and outcomes from education. Essentially, it focuses on the
social aspects of education and how it relates to broader social
,processes, including social stratification, inequality, and
socialization.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills,
values, and attitudes through various forms of instruction,
training, or personal development. It is an intentional process
aimed at fostering intellectual, moral, and social growth.
Education can take place in formal settings, such as schools and
universities, or informal settings, like home and community
environments. Education helps individuals develop the
competencies necessary for personal and social development,
enabling them to function effectively in society.
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy (1): Meritocracy is a system in which
individuals are rewarded and advanced based on their
abilities, skills, and efforts rather than their social status,
family background, or other ascribed characteristics. In a
meritocratic society, success is determined by merit,
typically measured through academic or professional
achievements.
b) Social Class (1): Social class refers to the hierarchical
division of people in a society based on factors such as
income, wealth, education, occupation, and social status. It
influences access to resources, opportunities, and life
chances, and often plays a significant role in shaping
individuals' experiences and outcomes in life.
c) Solidarity (1): Solidarity refers to the sense of unity,
cooperation, and mutual support among members of a
, group or society. It is the feeling of belonging and shared
responsibility that helps maintain social cohesion and
collective well-being, often built through shared values,
norms, and goals.
d) Micro-sociological Approach (1): The micro-
sociological approach focuses on small-scale, individual
interactions within society. It examines everyday behaviors,
individual actions, and personal relationships, often
exploring how individuals perceive, respond to, and
influence their social environments.
e) Macro-sociological Approach (1): The macro-
sociological approach looks at large-scale social structures,
systems, and institutions. It studies the broader societal
patterns and processes, such as the economy, politics,
education systems, and social policies, and how they
influence groups and individuals on a larger scale.
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)
To achieve the aim of assimilation and transmission of culture
and traditions in the classroom, educators can implement
several strategies:
Curriculum Design: The curriculum can incorporate
lessons on national history, cultural practices, customs,
language, and heritage to help students understand and
connect with their cultural roots.
Cultural Celebrations: Schools can organize events that
celebrate diverse cultural traditions, such as festivals,
