Sociological Perspectives

Education plays a critical role in the development, stability and growth of any society. From a sociological perspective, education is analyzed as a social institution, in which individuals learn and transmit knowledge, values, attitudes and life skills. It serves as a method of socializing members of a society into core values, behaviors and beliefs established by the society itself.

The sociological perspective on education looks at how education has a direct correlation to power. Education helps to reinforce existing hierarchies within a given society as well as establish a cultural hegemony over populations. Those who are educated more often reach higher positions in power; these positions come with more prestige and higher wages, making it even more difficult for those who are not as educated to reach the same positions. This creates a power differential, leaving the less educated group disadvantaged in comparison. Additionally, studies have found a correlation between education, gender, and ethnicity. It has been demonstrated that educational attainment tends to be unequal among gender and ethnic groups, particularly for minorities, as well as for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Furthermore, the field of sociology examines what is taught within the education system. In the United States, for instance, the dominant history is often that of the English colonists and their power over the Native Americans, but not the history of the Native Americans themselves prior to colonization. This is just one example of how education can be used to reinforce a power structure and particular group’s world view and values.

In addition to looking at how power plays a role in education, sociology is also examining how education affects identity development throughout the lifespan. Education not only provides knowledge to individuals, but it also plays a crucial role in their identity formation. Studies have found that educational attainment has an influence on what individuals perceive their identity to be. In other words, the more educated an individual is, the better their self-image and the better their outlook on what they can achieve in life.

Overall, education is a social institution that is constantly supporting and reinforcing power differentials, as well as playing a role in identity development. From a sociological perspective, it is clear that education is significantly intertwined with both our public and private lives.