,SED2601 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS
2025 (209428) - DUE 25 June 2025
Question 1 1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2) 1.2 What
is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2) 1.3 Explain the
following concepts: a) Meritocracy (1) b) Social class (1) c)
Solidarity (1) d) Micro-sociological approach (1) e) Macro-
sociological approach (1) 1.4 The assimilation and the
transmission of culture and traditions is one of the functions of
the sociology of education. How could this aim be achieved in
the classroom? (6) 1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism
theory? (5) [20]
Question 2 2.1 Discuss how conflict theory applies to families.
(6) 2.2 Explain the role of the family as a social institution. (4)
2.3 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? (5) SED2601 Assessment 2 2.4 Discuss the
criticisms of functionalism theory. (5) [20]
Question 3 3.1 What is the role of families according to
functionalism theory? (4) 3.2 Explain the assumptions about
conflict theory. (6) 3.3 Discuss the concept of social placement.
(6) 3.4 Explain the role of government in society according to
functionalism theory. (4) [20]
Question 4 4.1 There are different types of social institutions.
Discuss the governments and political structures as social
institutions. (6) 4.2 Explain the concept socialisation. (5) 4.3
,Explain the norm of universalism. (4) 4.4 Discuss functionalism
theory on schooling. . (5) [20]
Question 5 5.1 Explain the role of religion as a social institution.
(5) 5.2 Discuss the school climate and include examples. (5) 5.3
According to Bronfenbrenner, what is the microsystem? Include
examples. (3) 5.4 According to Bronfenbrenner, what is the
mesosystem? Give examples (3) 5.5 Define the concept “hidden
curriculum”. (2) (2) 5.6 What is meant by “socialism”? (2)
SED2601 Assessment 2 [20] TOTAL: [100]
Question 1
1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
The sociology of education is the study of how society and
education interact. It examines how educational institutions,
policies, and practices shape and are shaped by social
structures, culture, and individual experiences. This field
explores issues such as social inequality, cultural transmission,
and the role of education in economic and social mobility.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills,
values, and attitudes through formal and informal means.
Formal education occurs in structured institutions like schools
and universities, while informal education happens through
, daily interactions, experiences, and cultural exposure.
Education plays a key role in personal development and societal
progress.
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy (1)
Meritocracy is a social system in which individuals are rewarded
and advanced based on their abilities, efforts, and
achievements rather than factors like social class, wealth, or
family background. In education, a meritocratic system ensures
that students succeed based on their performance rather than
privilege.
b) Social class (1)
Social class refers to a hierarchical division in society based on
factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation. It
influences access to resources and opportunities, including
quality education. Higher social classes often have better
educational opportunities, reinforcing social inequalities.
c) Solidarity (1)
Solidarity is the sense of unity and mutual support within a
society or group. In the context of education, solidarity
promotes cooperation among students and teachers, fostering
a supportive learning environment. Émile Durkheim
emphasized solidarity as essential for maintaining social
cohesion.
2025 (209428) - DUE 25 June 2025
Question 1 1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2) 1.2 What
is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2) 1.3 Explain the
following concepts: a) Meritocracy (1) b) Social class (1) c)
Solidarity (1) d) Micro-sociological approach (1) e) Macro-
sociological approach (1) 1.4 The assimilation and the
transmission of culture and traditions is one of the functions of
the sociology of education. How could this aim be achieved in
the classroom? (6) 1.5 What are the criticisms of functionalism
theory? (5) [20]
Question 2 2.1 Discuss how conflict theory applies to families.
(6) 2.2 Explain the role of the family as a social institution. (4)
2.3 What are the assumptions about the theory of symbolic
interactionism? (5) SED2601 Assessment 2 2.4 Discuss the
criticisms of functionalism theory. (5) [20]
Question 3 3.1 What is the role of families according to
functionalism theory? (4) 3.2 Explain the assumptions about
conflict theory. (6) 3.3 Discuss the concept of social placement.
(6) 3.4 Explain the role of government in society according to
functionalism theory. (4) [20]
Question 4 4.1 There are different types of social institutions.
Discuss the governments and political structures as social
institutions. (6) 4.2 Explain the concept socialisation. (5) 4.3
,Explain the norm of universalism. (4) 4.4 Discuss functionalism
theory on schooling. . (5) [20]
Question 5 5.1 Explain the role of religion as a social institution.
(5) 5.2 Discuss the school climate and include examples. (5) 5.3
According to Bronfenbrenner, what is the microsystem? Include
examples. (3) 5.4 According to Bronfenbrenner, what is the
mesosystem? Give examples (3) 5.5 Define the concept “hidden
curriculum”. (2) (2) 5.6 What is meant by “socialism”? (2)
SED2601 Assessment 2 [20] TOTAL: [100]
Question 1
1.1 Define the sociology of education. (2)
The sociology of education is the study of how society and
education interact. It examines how educational institutions,
policies, and practices shape and are shaped by social
structures, culture, and individual experiences. This field
explores issues such as social inequality, cultural transmission,
and the role of education in economic and social mobility.
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’? (2)
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills,
values, and attitudes through formal and informal means.
Formal education occurs in structured institutions like schools
and universities, while informal education happens through
, daily interactions, experiences, and cultural exposure.
Education plays a key role in personal development and societal
progress.
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy (1)
Meritocracy is a social system in which individuals are rewarded
and advanced based on their abilities, efforts, and
achievements rather than factors like social class, wealth, or
family background. In education, a meritocratic system ensures
that students succeed based on their performance rather than
privilege.
b) Social class (1)
Social class refers to a hierarchical division in society based on
factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation. It
influences access to resources and opportunities, including
quality education. Higher social classes often have better
educational opportunities, reinforcing social inequalities.
c) Solidarity (1)
Solidarity is the sense of unity and mutual support within a
society or group. In the context of education, solidarity
promotes cooperation among students and teachers, fostering
a supportive learning environment. Émile Durkheim
emphasized solidarity as essential for maintaining social
cohesion.
