,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 [20]
1.1 Define the sociology of education.
It is the study of how public institutions and individual
experiences affect education and its outcomes, examining how
education influences and is influenced by society. (2)
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’?
Education refers to the process through which individuals
acquire knowledge, values, skills, and habits, often facilitated by
formal institutions like schools. (2)
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy: A system where individuals succeed based on
talent, effort, and achievement. (1)
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 [20]
1.1 Define the sociology of education.
It is the study of how public institutions and individual
experiences affect education and its outcomes, examining how
education influences and is influenced by society. (2)
1.2 What is the meaning of the word ‘education’?
Education refers to the process through which individuals
acquire knowledge, values, skills, and habits, often facilitated by
formal institutions like schools. (2)
1.3 Explain the following concepts:
a) Meritocracy: A system where individuals succeed based on
talent, effort, and achievement. (1)
