Chapter 13: Education
Introduction: Education is a crucial factor in escaping poverty and
experiencing upward social mobility.
I. Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate between education and schooling.
2. Compare and evaluate sociological perspectives on education
(Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Feminist Theory, Symbolic
Interactionism).
3. Identify, describe, and illustrate some of the contemporary issues in
U.S. education.
II. Key Terms
Term Definition
Education The social institution that transmits attitudes, knowledge,
beliefs, values, norms, and skills to its members.
Schooling Formal training and instruction provided in a classroom
setting. (This is a subset of education.)
Achievemen The difference in academic performance between groups
t Gap of students, often measured by standardized test scores,
GPAs, high school dropout rates, and college completion
rates.
Hidden The nonacademic knowledge, values, norms, and
Curriculum behaviors that students learn through the school system's
structure and operations. (Taught subtly, not explicitly.)
Credentialis An emphasis on certificates, degrees, or other formal
m qualifications as a requirement for employment, even if
the job does not require the level of education implied by
Introduction: Education is a crucial factor in escaping poverty and
experiencing upward social mobility.
I. Learning Objectives
1. Differentiate between education and schooling.
2. Compare and evaluate sociological perspectives on education
(Functionalism, Conflict Theory, Feminist Theory, Symbolic
Interactionism).
3. Identify, describe, and illustrate some of the contemporary issues in
U.S. education.
II. Key Terms
Term Definition
Education The social institution that transmits attitudes, knowledge,
beliefs, values, norms, and skills to its members.
Schooling Formal training and instruction provided in a classroom
setting. (This is a subset of education.)
Achievemen The difference in academic performance between groups
t Gap of students, often measured by standardized test scores,
GPAs, high school dropout rates, and college completion
rates.
Hidden The nonacademic knowledge, values, norms, and
Curriculum behaviors that students learn through the school system's
structure and operations. (Taught subtly, not explicitly.)
Credentialis An emphasis on certificates, degrees, or other formal
m qualifications as a requirement for employment, even if
the job does not require the level of education implied by
