STRUCTURAL-
FUNCTIONAL THEORY
HERBERT SPENCER
•Proponent of structural functional views society as “ a system of
interconnected parts each with a unique function”
• The parts have to work together for stability and balance of society
• Society has different but interrelated components (e.g. the state, the
church, the school, mass media, economics)
• These must coordinate and collaborate for society to function well.
• focuses on how education serves the need of society through development
of skills and encouraging social cohesion
3.
PURPOSES OF SCHOOLINGACCORDING
TO FUNCTIONALIST
INTELLECTUAL PURPOSES
• acquisition of cognitive skills, inquiry skills
POLITICAL PURPOSES
• educate future citizens; promote patriotism; promote assimilation of
immigrants; ensure order, public civility and conformity to laws
ECONOMIC PURPOSES
• prepare students for later work roles; select and train the labor force needed
by society
SOCIAL PURPOSES
• promote a sense of social and moral responsibility; serve as a site for the
solution or resolution of social problems; supplement the efforts of other
institutions of socialization such as the family and the church
4.
CONFLICT THEORY
• Thereare two opposing sides in a conflict where inequality exists.
• Unequal groups have conflicting values and agendas causing competition
which shape changes in society.
HOW PROPONENTS OF CONFLICT THEORY
REGARD EDUCATION
• Education is a powerful means of maintaining power structures and social
inequality.
• The existence of "hidden curriculum" which socializes people into obedience
and conformity.
• Functionalists disagree because they believe that the democratic way of life
is taught by schools through adherence to policies and obedience to rules,
and respect for persons of authority.
5.
SYMBOLIC-INTERACTIONISM
THEORY
IMPLICATIONS TO TEACHING
•promote and create opportunities for genuine interaction among our
students, teachers, between students and teachers
• Interaction includes reading, listening, and vieweing
• Use positive symbols through gestures, words, actions, and appearances
• An individual's action depends on meaning
• Different people may give different meaning to the same thing
• Meanings change as individuals interact with one another
