ESC3701
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 10 JUNE 2026
,ESC3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 10 JUNE 2026
Question 1
From a sociological point of view, education fulfils a number of functions.
Provide a brief explanation of how the function 'activation of constructive and
creative forces' can be understood.
From a sociological perspective, education serves to activate the constructive and
creative forces within individuals and society. This function refers to education’s role in
developing learners’ mental and physical skills, fostering adaptability, and producing a
creative, qualified workforce capable of driving economic and social progress
(Siyakwazi et al. 2018: 5-6).
Education develops learners’ motor, thinking, communication and social skills, enabling
them to cope with changes in their social environment. Second, it produces adaptable
individuals who can initiate change rather than merely react to it. Third, education
cultivates citizens who understand and appreciate democracy and who can assess
information critically to make predictions for the future. Fourth, it provides vocational
education that equips learners to make a living, while also teaching them to make good
use of leisure time. Finally, education promotes knowledge of socially acceptable moral
practices and ethical standards, as well as an understanding of human relations and
motivations (Siyakwazi et al. 2018: 5–6).
, The activation of constructive and creative forces means that education does not merely
transmit existing knowledge but actively shapes individuals who can innovate, solve
problems, and contribute to the development of new social patterns. This function is
particularly important in rapidly changing societies where technological and social
innovations require a workforce that is flexible, creative and forward-looking (Study
Guide 2020: Learning Unit 8).
Question 2
Talcott Parsons elaborates on how society functions as a system, thereby
creating balance and equilibrium. With the above in mind, briefly explain
Parsons’s view on the fundamental premises of functionalism.
Talcott Parsons, a major functionalist theorist, viewed society as a social system
composed of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and
equilibrium. His fundamental premises of functionalism include the following (Siyakwazi
et al. 2018: 8–9; Study Guide 2020: Learning Unit 9):
Every system has requisite needs that must be met for the system to survive. These
needs are addressed by specialised social structures.
Specialised structures function to satisfy the needs of society. For example, the
family provides primary socialisation, while schools provide secondary socialisation
and role allocation.
Social structures, functions and the systemic whole are intrinsically related and affect
one another. A change in one part of the system e.g., the economy will have
repercussions on other parts e.g. the family or education.
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 10 JUNE 2026
,ESC3701 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE 10 JUNE 2026
Question 1
From a sociological point of view, education fulfils a number of functions.
Provide a brief explanation of how the function 'activation of constructive and
creative forces' can be understood.
From a sociological perspective, education serves to activate the constructive and
creative forces within individuals and society. This function refers to education’s role in
developing learners’ mental and physical skills, fostering adaptability, and producing a
creative, qualified workforce capable of driving economic and social progress
(Siyakwazi et al. 2018: 5-6).
Education develops learners’ motor, thinking, communication and social skills, enabling
them to cope with changes in their social environment. Second, it produces adaptable
individuals who can initiate change rather than merely react to it. Third, education
cultivates citizens who understand and appreciate democracy and who can assess
information critically to make predictions for the future. Fourth, it provides vocational
education that equips learners to make a living, while also teaching them to make good
use of leisure time. Finally, education promotes knowledge of socially acceptable moral
practices and ethical standards, as well as an understanding of human relations and
motivations (Siyakwazi et al. 2018: 5–6).
, The activation of constructive and creative forces means that education does not merely
transmit existing knowledge but actively shapes individuals who can innovate, solve
problems, and contribute to the development of new social patterns. This function is
particularly important in rapidly changing societies where technological and social
innovations require a workforce that is flexible, creative and forward-looking (Study
Guide 2020: Learning Unit 8).
Question 2
Talcott Parsons elaborates on how society functions as a system, thereby
creating balance and equilibrium. With the above in mind, briefly explain
Parsons’s view on the fundamental premises of functionalism.
Talcott Parsons, a major functionalist theorist, viewed society as a social system
composed of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and
equilibrium. His fundamental premises of functionalism include the following (Siyakwazi
et al. 2018: 8–9; Study Guide 2020: Learning Unit 9):
Every system has requisite needs that must be met for the system to survive. These
needs are addressed by specialised social structures.
Specialised structures function to satisfy the needs of society. For example, the
family provides primary socialisation, while schools provide secondary socialisation
and role allocation.
Social structures, functions and the systemic whole are intrinsically related and affect
one another. A change in one part of the system e.g., the economy will have
repercussions on other parts e.g. the family or education.
