HED4806
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, HED4806 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Compare the central tenets of structural functionalism and modernisation
theories in relation to:
a) Society
Structural functionalism views society as a complex system made up of different parts
that all work together to maintain stability and order. According to Wolhuter in Chapter 8
(page 143), this theory sees society as consisting of interconnected systems such as
economic, social and political systems, and any change in one system will affect all the
others. In this view, education is just one part of the social system and it serves specific
functions that help keep society running smoothly. On the other hand, modernisation
theory focuses on how societies change and develop over time, particularly how
traditional societies can become modern ones. Wolhuter explains in Chapter 1 (page 3)
that modernisation theory holds that developing countries must follow the
developmental path of the already developed countries of the Global North. This theory
sees progress as a linear journey from "backward" or traditional ways to more advanced
or modern ways. Though structural functionalism emphasises stability and how society
maintains itself, modernisation theory emphasises change and progress. Modernisation
theory was particularly influential in the 1960s when many countries in the Global South
were gaining independence and needed a framework for development. Both theories,
however, have been criticised for their Western bias and for not fully understanding the
unique contexts of countries in the Global South.
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: AUGUST 2026
, HED4806 ASSIGNMENT 3 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Compare the central tenets of structural functionalism and modernisation
theories in relation to:
a) Society
Structural functionalism views society as a complex system made up of different parts
that all work together to maintain stability and order. According to Wolhuter in Chapter 8
(page 143), this theory sees society as consisting of interconnected systems such as
economic, social and political systems, and any change in one system will affect all the
others. In this view, education is just one part of the social system and it serves specific
functions that help keep society running smoothly. On the other hand, modernisation
theory focuses on how societies change and develop over time, particularly how
traditional societies can become modern ones. Wolhuter explains in Chapter 1 (page 3)
that modernisation theory holds that developing countries must follow the
developmental path of the already developed countries of the Global North. This theory
sees progress as a linear journey from "backward" or traditional ways to more advanced
or modern ways. Though structural functionalism emphasises stability and how society
maintains itself, modernisation theory emphasises change and progress. Modernisation
theory was particularly influential in the 1960s when many countries in the Global South
were gaining independence and needed a framework for development. Both theories,
however, have been criticised for their Western bias and for not fully understanding the
unique contexts of countries in the Global South.
