, PSE4801 ASSIGNMENT 02 2024
Chapter 1: What is this book about?
Question 1
Functionalism and Conflict theory are two very different schools of thought looking at the same
social world.
With the focus on Conflict theory in this instance, discuss how conflict theorists view schooling as
social construct. (10)
Conflict theorists view schooling as a social construct that perpetuates and
maintains social inequality and power dynamics within society. According to
conflict theory, education is not just a means of transmitting knowledge and
skills, but also a way in which the ruling class maintains its dominant position
over the working class. Schools are seen as institutions that teach and
reinforce the values, norms, and beliefs of the dominant class, while also
perpetuating a system of inequality and social stratification.
One aspect of conflict theory's view on schooling as a social construct is the
concept of the "hidden curriculum." This refers to the unspoken and often
implicit messages that students receive in school, which serve to socialize
them into accepting and reproducing the existing social order. For example,
students are taught to obey authority, follow rules, and compete with their
peers, all of which are skills that benefit the ruling class in maintaining their
power and control.
Additionally, conflict theorists argue that the education system perpetuates
inequality through the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
Schools in wealthier neighborhoods tend to have better funding, more
resources, and higher quality teachers, while schools in poorer areas often
struggle with limited resources and lack of access to quality education. This
perpetuates a cycle of poverty and social inequality, as students from
disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to receive a quality education and
therefore less likely to break out of their social class.
In conclusion, conflict theorists view schooling as a social construct that
perpetuates and reinforces social inequality and power dynamics within
society. The education system is seen as a tool that serves the interests of
the ruling class, while also contributing to the continuation of social
Chapter 1: What is this book about?
Question 1
Functionalism and Conflict theory are two very different schools of thought looking at the same
social world.
With the focus on Conflict theory in this instance, discuss how conflict theorists view schooling as
social construct. (10)
Conflict theorists view schooling as a social construct that perpetuates and
maintains social inequality and power dynamics within society. According to
conflict theory, education is not just a means of transmitting knowledge and
skills, but also a way in which the ruling class maintains its dominant position
over the working class. Schools are seen as institutions that teach and
reinforce the values, norms, and beliefs of the dominant class, while also
perpetuating a system of inequality and social stratification.
One aspect of conflict theory's view on schooling as a social construct is the
concept of the "hidden curriculum." This refers to the unspoken and often
implicit messages that students receive in school, which serve to socialize
them into accepting and reproducing the existing social order. For example,
students are taught to obey authority, follow rules, and compete with their
peers, all of which are skills that benefit the ruling class in maintaining their
power and control.
Additionally, conflict theorists argue that the education system perpetuates
inequality through the unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.
Schools in wealthier neighborhoods tend to have better funding, more
resources, and higher quality teachers, while schools in poorer areas often
struggle with limited resources and lack of access to quality education. This
perpetuates a cycle of poverty and social inequality, as students from
disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to receive a quality education and
therefore less likely to break out of their social class.
In conclusion, conflict theorists view schooling as a social construct that
perpetuates and reinforces social inequality and power dynamics within
society. The education system is seen as a tool that serves the interests of
the ruling class, while also contributing to the continuation of social
