Assignment 1 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: April 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, QUESTION 1
1. Do you agree that the hidden curriculum primarily serves to uphold
existing power structures, as suggested by Conflict Theory?
a) Yes, because the hidden curriculum transmits dominant
cultural values that reinforce existing social hierarchies.
b) No, because the hidden curriculum mainly helps students
understand societal norms rather than enforce power dynamics.
c) Yes, because the hidden curriculum is intentionally designed to
prioritize individual achievement over collective values.
d) No, because the hidden curriculum promotes only educational
standards without any influence on societal power structures.
Explanation: According to Conflict Theory, the hidden curriculum supports the
dominance of powerful groups by reinforcing unequal social hierarchies through
informal educational messages.
2. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of role differentiation in
achieving social solidarity versus encouraging individualism in
students?
a) Role differentiation promotes social solidarity by teaching students
to work in groups toward common goals.
b) Role differentiation encourages individualism by assigning specific
roles that may limit collaborative learning.
c) Role differentiation strikes a balance by encouraging students
to develop individual skills that contribute to collective goals.
d) Role differentiation has no impact on either social solidarity or
individualism in educational settings.
Explanation: The most effective role differentiation both nurtures individual
growth and prepares students to contribute meaningfully to group objectives,
promoting balanced development.
3. What criteria would you use to assess whether Robert Dreeben’s
concept of achievement is equally applicable to all students,
regardless of background?
a) Evaluating whether achievement is measured by standardized tests.
b) Assessing whether all students, regardless of background,
have equal access to resources that support achievement.
c) Measuring if students from different backgrounds feel motivated to
meet achievement standards.
d) Determining if students are primarily assessed on individual merit
rather than group work.
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