,HED4806 ASSIGNMENT 03 ANSWERS - DUE DATE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories
1.1.1 Society (5 Marks)
Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theory provide different explanations of how
society functions and develops. Structural Functionalism, developed by Émile Durkheim and
later expanded by Talcott Parsons, views society as an organised system made up of
interconnected institutions such as the family, education, religion, politics, and the economy.
Each institution performs specific functions that contribute to maintaining social order,
stability, and cohesion. According to this perspective, society functions similarly to a living
organism in which every part depends on the others. When one institution fails to perform its
role effectively, it affects the functioning of the entire society. Structural functionalists
therefore argue that shared values, norms, cooperation, and social integration are essential for
maintaining social equilibrium and ensuring the smooth operation of society (Harber &
Mncube, 2022).
Modernisation Theory, on the other hand, views society as constantly evolving through
stages of economic and social development. Associated with scholars such as Walt Whitman
Rostow, this theory argues that societies move from traditional forms characterised by
agriculture, limited technology, and customary practices to modern societies driven by
industrialisation, urbanisation, technological advancement, education, and democratic
governance. Unlike Structural Functionalism, which focuses primarily on maintaining
stability, Modernisation Theory emphasises transformation, innovation, and economic
growth. Traditional beliefs and practices are often regarded as barriers to development, while
education, science, and technological progress are viewed as essential drivers of
modernisation. Consequently, Structural Functionalism focuses on preserving social order,
, whereas Modernisation Theory emphasises continuous development and societal
transformation (Todaro & Smith, 2021).
1.1.2 Education and Development (5 Marks)
According to Structural Functionalism, education is one of the most significant social
institutions because it prepares individuals to participate effectively in society. Schools
transmit shared cultural values, norms, ethics, discipline, and acceptable patterns of
behaviour that contribute to social stability. Education also equips learners with knowledge
and occupational skills required for different roles within the economy, thereby ensuring an
efficient division of labour. Furthermore, schools promote social integration by bringing
together learners from diverse backgrounds and encouraging national unity and responsible
citizenship. Structural functionalists therefore regard education as an institution that
contributes directly to both social cohesion and national development (Harber & Mncube,
2022).
Modernisation Theory views education primarily as an investment in human capital that
drives economic growth and national development. Education develops scientific knowledge,
technological competence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking skills necessary
for participation in a modern economy. As educational opportunities expand, labour
productivity increases, poverty declines, investment grows, and countries become more
competitive in the global economy. Modernisation theorists therefore argue that educational
expansion accelerates industrialisation, improves living standards, strengthens democratic
institutions, and promotes sustainable development. While Structural Functionalism
emphasises education's role in maintaining social order, Modernisation Theory focuses on
education as a catalyst for economic transformation and societal progress (Todaro & Smith,
2021).
1.2 Education as a “Panacea for All Social Ills” (10 Marks)
QUESTION 1
1.1 Comparison of Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theories
1.1.1 Society (5 Marks)
Structural Functionalism and Modernisation Theory provide different explanations of how
society functions and develops. Structural Functionalism, developed by Émile Durkheim and
later expanded by Talcott Parsons, views society as an organised system made up of
interconnected institutions such as the family, education, religion, politics, and the economy.
Each institution performs specific functions that contribute to maintaining social order,
stability, and cohesion. According to this perspective, society functions similarly to a living
organism in which every part depends on the others. When one institution fails to perform its
role effectively, it affects the functioning of the entire society. Structural functionalists
therefore argue that shared values, norms, cooperation, and social integration are essential for
maintaining social equilibrium and ensuring the smooth operation of society (Harber &
Mncube, 2022).
Modernisation Theory, on the other hand, views society as constantly evolving through
stages of economic and social development. Associated with scholars such as Walt Whitman
Rostow, this theory argues that societies move from traditional forms characterised by
agriculture, limited technology, and customary practices to modern societies driven by
industrialisation, urbanisation, technological advancement, education, and democratic
governance. Unlike Structural Functionalism, which focuses primarily on maintaining
stability, Modernisation Theory emphasises transformation, innovation, and economic
growth. Traditional beliefs and practices are often regarded as barriers to development, while
education, science, and technological progress are viewed as essential drivers of
modernisation. Consequently, Structural Functionalism focuses on preserving social order,
, whereas Modernisation Theory emphasises continuous development and societal
transformation (Todaro & Smith, 2021).
1.1.2 Education and Development (5 Marks)
According to Structural Functionalism, education is one of the most significant social
institutions because it prepares individuals to participate effectively in society. Schools
transmit shared cultural values, norms, ethics, discipline, and acceptable patterns of
behaviour that contribute to social stability. Education also equips learners with knowledge
and occupational skills required for different roles within the economy, thereby ensuring an
efficient division of labour. Furthermore, schools promote social integration by bringing
together learners from diverse backgrounds and encouraging national unity and responsible
citizenship. Structural functionalists therefore regard education as an institution that
contributes directly to both social cohesion and national development (Harber & Mncube,
2022).
Modernisation Theory views education primarily as an investment in human capital that
drives economic growth and national development. Education develops scientific knowledge,
technological competence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking skills necessary
for participation in a modern economy. As educational opportunities expand, labour
productivity increases, poverty declines, investment grows, and countries become more
competitive in the global economy. Modernisation theorists therefore argue that educational
expansion accelerates industrialisation, improves living standards, strengthens democratic
institutions, and promotes sustainable development. While Structural Functionalism
emphasises education's role in maintaining social order, Modernisation Theory focuses on
education as a catalyst for economic transformation and societal progress (Todaro & Smith,
2021).
1.2 Education as a “Panacea for All Social Ills” (10 Marks)
