For jkpsc education lecturer exam Revision covering each topic of sociological foundations of education

1. Day 4 of crash course for
jkpsc education lecturer
exam
Sociological foundations of education

2. Syllabus
1. Definition and Scope of Education and Educational Sociology
2. Culture-a. Cultureand Education.b. Difference between Culture and Civilization c.
Enculturation and Acculturation
3. Social Change- a. Theories of Social Change: Karl Marx Conflict Theory, Functionalist
Theory & Cyclic Theory .b. Effect of Social change on Caste System and family system in
India c. Social Change and Education; Role of Media and Technology in Social change
4. Modernization
a.ConceptofModernization b. Attributesof Modernization c. DemandsonIndian
Education
• Meaning and Types of Inequality: Social inequality and social stratification. Types of
socialstratification,Relationship of Social Stratification and Education, Social Status
and Social mobility, Education and Social Mobility, Social Stratification and Social
mobility and their relationship with education.

3. Meaning, Definition and Scope of
Education
The word Education comes from Latin words:
Educare = to bring up and Educere = to draw out
Education means: All-round development of child
Growth of body, mind, and character and Preparation for life and society
It is both a personal process (self-growth) and a social process (living with others)
Definitions of Education
John Dewey Education is the process of living, not just preparation for future life.
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R.S. Peters Education is initiation into worthwhile activities and values.
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George S. Counts Education is a tool of social change.
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• Mahatma Gandhi Education is drawing out the best in child and man – body,
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mind, and spirit.

4. Scope of Education
Education has a very wide scope. It includes:
1. Individual Development – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual growth.
2. Social Development – preparing good citizens, cooperation, responsibility.
3. Cultural Development – preserving values, traditions, heritage.
4. Economic Development – vocational skills, workforce training.
5. Political Development – awareness of rights, duties, democracy.
6. Moral Development – discipline, honesty, justice.
7. Social Change – removing social evils, bringing reform and modernization.
• 👉 In one line: Education is a lifelong process that develops the individual
and transforms society.

5. Meaning of Educational Sociology
Sociology study of society, social groups, and human relations.
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Educational Sociology branch of sociology that studies the relationship between
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education and society.
It explains how society influences education and how education helps in social development.
In simple words: Educational Sociology is the study of how education and society are
connected.
Definitions of Educational Sociology
Ottaway Educational Sociology is the study of how social institutions and individual
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experiences affect education.
Brown It is the scientific study of how people live together in society and how education
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helps in adjustment.
• George Payne Educational Sociology is the science which describes and explains
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institutions, social groups, and social processes in relation to education.

6. Scope of Educational Sociology
1. Education and Society – role of education in shaping society and vice versa.
2. Education and Culture – transmission and preservation of cultural values.
3. Education and Socialization – training child to adjust in society.
4. Education and Social Institutions – family, religion, politics, economy, state.
5. Education and Social Change – removing social evils, bringing reforms.
6. Education and Social Problems – solving illiteracy, poverty, gender inequality.
7. Role of Teacher – as a social reformer and nation-builder.
Conclusion .Educational Sociology shows that education is not only for personal
growth but also for social progress.
• It helps in creating good citizens, transmitting values, and bringing social
change.

7. Culture
The word Culture comes from the Latin word “colere” which means to
cultivate or to grow.
In simple words, culture is the way of life of people in a society.
It includes our values, traditions, beliefs, knowledge, art, language, morals,
customs, and habits.
Culture is learned, not inherited biologically.
It is shared by members of society and passed on from one generation to
another.
👉 In one line:
• Culture means the total way of living of people, which is learned, shared,
and transmitted through education and socialization.

8. Culture and education
Relationship between Culture and Education
Education is the means through which culture is transmitted.
Culture gives content and direction to education.
Education helps in preserving old traditions and also in adopting new ideas.
Thus, culture and education are two sides of the same coin.
2. How Culture Influences Education
Decides the aims of education (e.g., moral values, patriotism, discipline).
Shapes the curriculum (literature, history, art, language of society).
Determines methods of teaching (storytelling, group learning, modern technology).
• Provides values and ideals for students (truth, non-violence, cooperation, respect).

9. How education influences culture
Preserves cultural heritage (traditions, festivals, language).
Transmits culture to new generations through schools.
Promotes cultural change (scientific outlook, equality, modern
values).
Helps in removing superstitions and social evils.
Encourages unity in diversity by respecting all cultures.
4. Conclusion. Culture gives foundation to education.
Education is the tool to preserve, transmit, and improve culture.
Strong education system = strong culture and society.

10. Difference between Culture and
Civilization
Culture and civilization are related but not the same. Culture refers to the
way of life of people – their values, beliefs, traditions, customs, language,
literature, religion, art and morals. It is internal in nature and shapes the
character and identity of a society. On the other hand, civilization refers
to the material and technical advancement of society – such as buildings,
machines, industries, transport, science and technology. It is external in
nature and reflects the progress of human society.
• Culture grows naturally within a community and remains permanent,
whereas civilization is the result of planned efforts and may rise and fall
with time. Civilization depends on culture for guidance, but culture can
exist even without a high stage of civilization. In simple words, culture is
the soul of society, while civilization is its body.

11. Enculturation
Enculturation is the process by which a person learns and adopts the culture of their own society. It
includes learning language, customs, traditions, values, and behavior from family and community.
In short: Enculturation = learning one’s own culture naturally.
Features-Begins from birth and continues throughout life.
Learned through family, school, peers, religion, media.
Mostly natural and unconscious (we pick it up by living in society).
Provides social identity and sense of belonging.
Ensures continuity of culture from one generation to the next.
Examples-A child in Kashmir learning Kashmiri/Dogri language, respecting elders, celebrating local
festivals.
Touching feet of elders in India, or saying salaam in Muslim culture — all are part of enculturation.
• Conclusion-Enculturation is the process through which society transmits its culture to its
members, helping them become part of the community.

12. Acculturation
Acculturation is the process in which people come in contact with a new culture and adopt some of its
practices, values, or ideas.It happens when two different cultures meet and influence each other.
In short: Acculturation = learning or borrowing elements from another culture.
Features-Occurs through direct contact between two cultural groups.
Leads to exchange of traditions, customs, and habits.
May result in change of food habits, clothing, language, or lifestyle.
Can be partial (adopting only some aspects) or complete (deep cultural change).
Sometimes creates cultural blending (fusion of old and new).
Examples-Indians eating pizza, burgers, or celebrating Valentine’s Day (influence of Western culture).
Use of English language in education and administration in India.
Wearing jeans or western-style clothes along with traditional attire.
• Conclusion-Acculturation is the process of cultural exchange and adaptation, where individuals or
groups adopt elements of another culture while still keeping parts of their own.

13. Social change
Social change means a transformation in the structure, functions, values, and behavior of society.It
refers to changes in customs, traditions, social institutions, roles, and relationships over time.
In simple words: Social change is a change in the way people live and interact in society.
Key Features-1. Continuous process – change keeps happening in every society.
2. Universal – no society is free from change.
3. Varies in speed – some changes are slow (e.g., caste system), some fast (e.g., use of mobile phones).
4. May be planned or unplanned – reforms through education are planned, while natural disasters
bring sudden change.
5. Multidimensional – affects social, economic, political, cultural, and religious aspects of life.
Examples-Abolition of Sati and Child Marriage (social reform).,Spread of education and
literacy.,Industrialization and modernization.,Women empowerment and gender equality. ,Digital
revolution and use of internet/social media.
• Conclusion-Social change is a natural and continuous process. It helps society to progress,
modernize, and remove evils, but also needs to balance with cultural values.

14. Theories of social change
Theories of social change explain how and why societies
transform. Some stress gradual growth, some on cycles,
others on conflict or cultural progress. Education plays a key
role in all.
Karl marx conflict theory
Functionalist theory
Cyclic theory

15. Karl marx conflict theory
Karl Marx believed that conflict is the main cause of social change.
In every society, there are two groups:
Haves (owners, rich, ruling class)
Have-nots (workers, poor, oppressed class)
This inequality creates struggle and conflict.
Key Points of the Theory
1. Economic Base – Society is based on economy (production, property, ownership).
2. Class Struggle – History is the story of conflict between classes (masters vs. slaves,
landlords vs. peasants, capitalists vs. workers).
3. Revolution – When exploitation increases, the oppressed class revolts.
4. Social Change – Revolution destroys the old system and creates a new social order.
• 5. Goal – A classless, equal society (Communism).

16. Cont.
Examples-Industrial Revolution struggle between capitalists and
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workers.
Russian Revolution (1917) workers overthrew the ruling class.
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Trade unions fighting for workers’ rights.
Criticism-Over-emphasis on conflict and economy.
Ignores cooperation, culture, religion, and values as other forces of change.
Revolutions do not always create equality.
• Conclusion-Karl Marx explained that inequality leads to conflict, and
conflict leads to social change. His theory highlights how struggles in
economy and class relations shape the progress of society.

17. Functionalist theory
Functionalist theory sees society as a system made up of different parts (family,
education, economy, politics, religion). Just like organs of the body, all parts of
society must work together in balance. Social change happens when some part
of society does not function properly, and the system adjusts to restore stability.
Key Points-1. Society = System – every institution has a function (e.g., family →
socialization, education knowledge, economy livelihood).
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2. Need for Balance – when one part changes, others also adjust to maintain
order.
3. Gradual Change – change is usually slow and evolutionary, not sudden or
revolutionary.
4. Equilibrium – final goal of change is to bring society back into balance.
• 5. Thinkers – Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons.

18. Cont.
Examples-Rise of women in workforce changes in family roles and
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education system.
Invention of internet changes in communication, business, education, and
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even politics.
Migration to cities adjustments in housing, transport, and employment.
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Criticism-Overemphasizes stability and order, ignores conflict.
Does not explain sudden or revolutionary changes (e.g., revolutions, wars).
Sometimes too conservative, supporting status quo.
• Conclusion-Functionalist theory explains social change as a process of
adjustment where different parts of society change gradually to maintain
balance and stability.

19. Cyclic theory
Cyclic theory says that history repeats itself. Societies and civilizations rise, grow, decline,
and fall in a cycle.
Just like seasons (spring–summer–autumn–winter), human society also passes through
repeating stages.
Key Points-1. Change is Circular – after progress comes decline, then renewal.
2. No society is permanent – all societies eventually decline after reaching peak.
3. Predictable Pattern – growth maturity decline fall new rise.
→ → → →
4. Thinkers:
Oswald Spengler compared civilizations to living organisms (birth, growth, decay, death).
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Arnold Toynbee rise and fall of civilizations depends on how they respond to challenges.
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• Vilfredo Pareto “circulation of elites” – old leaders are replaced by new leaders in cycles.
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20. Cont.
Examples-Rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Decline of the Mughal Empire in India.
Dynasties in history (Mauryan, Gupta, Mughal, British) show cyclic
pattern.
Criticism-Too much focus on repetition; ignores scientific and
technological progress.
Does not explain why some societies keep improving without complete
decline.
• Conclusion-Cyclic theory explains social change as a repetitive cycle of
rise and fall, showing that no society remains permanent but goes
through ups and downs like nature’s seasons.

21. Effect of Social Change on Caste
System
• Social change has weakened the rigid caste system by promoting equality,
mobility, and new opportunities. Yet, caste still influences Indian society, especially
in politics and marriages, but its hold is slowly declining.
• 1. Decline of Untouchability
• Social reforms, education, and laws (like Article 17 of Indian Constitution) have
reduced untouchability.Untouchables (Dalits) are now called Scheduled Castes with
rights and dignity.
• 2. Increase in Social Mobility
• Earlier, caste was rigid birth decided occupation.Now, with education, jobs, and
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urbanization people can move to higher positions regardless of caste.
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• 3. Changes in Occupation
• Traditional caste-based jobs (like weavers, barbers, potters) are no longer
fixed.People choose professions based on skill, education, and interest, not caste.

22. Cont.
4. Inter-caste Marriages
Social change, education, and laws (Hindu Marriage Act, Special Marriage Act) encourage
inter-caste marriages.Slowly breaking barriers of caste exclusiveness.
5. Political Changes
Reservation system in education, jobs, and politics has given power to backward
castes.Caste became a factor in elections and political mobilization.
6. Impact of Urbanization & Industrialization
In cities, people live and work together caste restrictions weaken.Industrialization
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created new classes based on profession and income, not caste.
7. Social Equality & Awareness
• Spread of democratic values, media, and movements (like Ambedkarite movement)
have created awareness.Demand for equality and justice is stronger than caste barriers.

23. Effect of social change on family
system in india
• Social change has transformed the Indian family system from joint, traditional, and
authoritative to nuclear, modern, and democratic. Though nuclear families provide
freedom and privacy, they also bring challenges like stress, lack of support, and weaker
family bonds.
• 1. Decline of Joint Family System
• Earlier: joint families were common (grandparents, uncles, aunts living together).Now:
rise of nuclear families due to jobs, migration, and urbanization.
• 2. Changing Role of Women
• Education and employment have given women economic independence.
• Women now participate in decision-making, not just household work.Shift from
traditional roles modern roles.
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• 3. Shift in Authority
• In joint families, the eldest male had full authority.Now authority is more shared and
democratic within nuclear families.

24. Cont.
4. Changes in Marriage System
Earlier: arranged marriages within caste and community.
Now: inter-caste, inter-religion, and love marriages increasing.Marriage age has also risen
due to education and career focus.
5. Impact of Urbanization & Industrialization
Migration for jobs separation from traditional family roots.Families now smaller, mobile,
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and flexible.
6. Parent–Child Relationship
Earlier: obedience and respect were main values.Now: more friendly and open
communication between parents and children.
7. Problems of Modern Families
• Rise of divorce, separation, single-parent families.Increased stress and loneliness due to
breakdown of joint family support.

25. Social change and education
• Social change and education are closely linked. Education is the most
powerful tool for social change, while social change continuously shapes
education to meet new needs. Together, they build a modern, progressive,
and democratic society.
• 1. Education as an Agent of Social Change
• Education spreads knowledge and awareness.
• It removes superstitions, blind beliefs, and social evils (like untouchability,
dowry, child marriage).
• Promotes modern values like equality, justice, democracy, and scientific
outlook.
• Example: Spread of education helped in women empowerment and Dalit
upliftment.

26. Cont.
2. How Social Change Influences Education
When society changes, aims of education also change (e.g., NEP 2020).
Curriculum changes with new needs (science, IT, environmental studies).
Teaching methods shift from rote learning activity-based and digital learning.
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Schools now teach gender equality, human rights, citizenship education.
3. Role of Education in Social Change
Preserves culture (teaching traditions, languages, values).
Transmits culture to the next generation.
Transforms culture by promoting reforms and modernization.
Creates leaders, reformers, and innovators who drive social change.
4. Examples in India
Social reform movements by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar were linked to education.
Spread of girls’ education women empowerment.
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Reservation policy in education upliftment of backward classes.
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• Digital literacy rural development and modernization.
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27. Role of media and technology in social
change
• Media and technology are powerful agents of social change. If used positively,
they can educate, reform, and modernize society; but misuse can create new
challenges.
• 1. Role of Media
• Information & Awareness Media spreads news, facts, and awareness about
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social issues (e.g., Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao).
• Social Reform Highlights evils like dowry, corruption, gender discrimination,
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child labour.
• Education & Values TV, newspapers, social media spread knowledge, values,
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and cultural ideas.
• Public Opinion Media influences people’s thinking and government policies.
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• Integration Promotes national unity by connecting diverse regions and cultures.
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28. Role of Technology
Communication Revolution Mobile, internet, and social media connect people instantly.
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Digital Education Online classes, e-learning, digital literacy spread knowledge widely.
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Economic Development Technology creates new industries, jobs, and modernization.
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Social Networking Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, X (Twitter) build social movements (e.g.,
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Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement).
Bridging Gaps Technology reduces rural–urban gap (telemedicine, online banking, digital
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payments).
3. Positive Impacts-Promotes democracy, equality, awareness.
Breaks caste, gender, and regional barriers.
Helps in faster social reforms.
4. Negative Impacts-Spread of fake news and misinformation.
Cultural erosion due to excessive Western influence.
• Addiction to social media and gadgets.

29. Modernisation
Concept of Modernisation
Meaning:
Modernisation is a process of social, economic, political, and cultural change through which a
traditional society transforms into a modern one.
Key Features:
Shift from traditional to scientific and rational thinking
Growth of technology, industry, and urbanisation
Spread of education and literacy
Rise of democratic values and equality
Emphasis on individualism and human rights
In Simple Words:
• Modernisation means adopting new ideas, methods, and lifestyles that lead to progress and
development in society, while moving away from old customs that block growth.

30. Attributes of modernization
Scientific Outlook – preference for logic, evidence, and rational thinking over blind
beliefs.
Industrialisation & Technology – growth of machines, industries, transport, and
communication.
Urbanisation – movement from rural to urban lifestyle and city-based living.
Education & Literacy – spread of formal education, skills, and knowledge.
Democracy & Equality – importance of freedom, rights, and equal opportunities.
Social Mobility – movement of individuals or groups from one social status to another.
Secularism – separation of religion from politics and public life.
Individualism – focus on personal choice, independence, and self-development.
• Global Outlook – openness to new cultures, ideas, and international cooperation.

31. Demands on Indian Education in Relevance to
Modernisation
Scientific and Rational Outlook
– Education should promote logical thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving.
Technological Integration
– Use of computers, internet, AI, and digital learning to match modern needs.
Skill and Vocational Training
– Focus on employability, entrepreneurship, and modern industry requirements.
Democratic and Secular Values
– Teaching equality, tolerance, and respect for diversity.
Social Mobility and Equality
– Providing equal opportunities to all, reducing caste, gender, and economic barriers.
Global Perspective
– Preparing learners to participate in a globalised and interconnected world.
Research and Innovation
– Encouraging creativity, innovation, and scientific temper in higher education.
Lifelong Learning
• – Education as a continuous process to adapt to rapid social and technological changes.

32. Meaning and types of inequalities
Inequality refers to unequal access to resources, opportunities, rights, and privileges in society.
It creates gaps between individuals or groups in terms of wealth, education, status, and power
In simple words: When some people get more and others get less (without fairness), it is inequality.
Types of Inequalities
1. Economic Inequality
– Unequal distribution of wealth, income, and resources.
2. Social Inequality
– Discrimination based on caste, class, gender, race, or religion.
3. Political Inequality
– Unequal participation in decision-making and access to political power.
4. Educational Inequality
– Unequal access to quality education and learning opportunities.
5. Gender Inequality
– Unequal treatment and opportunities for men and women.
6. Regional Inequality
• – Imbalance in development between rural-urban areas or different states/regions.

33. Social inequality
Meaning:-Social inequality refers to the unequal distribution of status, rights, and opportunities among different groups of people in society.
It happens when certain groups are given more privileges while others face disadvantages.
Causes:
Caste system
Gender discrimination
Religion and ethnicity
Class divisions (rich vs. poor)
Cultural and traditional practices
Effects:
Creates social division and conflict
Limits opportunities for disadvantaged groups
Slows down progress and modernisation
Affects equality, justice, and social harmony
Examples in India:
Untouchability and caste-based discrimination
Gender gaps in education and employment
• Unequal treatment of minority communities

34. Social stratification
Meaning:-Social stratification is the hierarchical arrangement of people in a society based on factors like wealth, power, status,
caste, or class.
It means society is divided into layers (strata), where some groups enjoy more privileges than others.
Key Features:-Hierarchy – people are ranked higher or lower.
Inequality – unequal distribution of resources, opportunities, and respect.
Social Division – society is divided into groups/classes.
Continuity –stratification exists in all societies, though forms differ.
Basis – can be caste, class, gender, race, or occupation.
Types of Social Stratification:-1. Caste System – birth-based hierarchy (traditional Indian society).
2. Class System – based on wealth, income, and occupation.
3. Estate System – divisions based on ownership of land (medieval Europe).
4. Slavery – extreme form where people are treated as property.
Relevance:
Shapes social relationships.
Influences lifestyle, opportunities, and status.
• Major challenge for equality and modernisation.

35. Types of Social Stratification
1. Caste System-Based on birth and heredity.
Rigid system, little mobility.
Example: Traditional Indian society.
2. Class System-Based on wealth, income, and occupation.
Flexible, allows social mobility.
Example: Upper class, middle class, lower class.
3. Slavery-Extreme form where people are treated as property.
No freedom or rights.
Example: Ancient Greece, Rome, and colonial period.
4. Estate System-Based on land ownership and duties.
Found in medieval Europe (nobility, clergy, peasants).
5. Gender Stratification (sometimes added in modern context)
Unequal status and opportunities for men and women.
• Example: Wage gap, unequal representation.

36. Relationship of Social Stratification and Education
Education as Influenced by Stratification
Access to education often depends on caste, class, gender, and economic status.
Privileged groups get better schools, colleges, and resources, while disadvantaged groups face
barriers.
Example: Caste-based restrictions in traditional India, or unequal schooling in rural vs. urban areas.
Education as a Tool to Reduce Stratification
Provides equal opportunities for upward mobility.
Helps in breaking barriers of caste, class, and gender by promoting equality.
Creates awareness of rights, justice, and democracy.
Example: Reservation policies, free education schemes, scholarships for weaker sections.
Dual Role
Education can maintain stratification (if only elites access quality education).
Education can also reduce stratification (if made inclusive and accessible to all).

37. Social status
Meaning:-Social status is the position or rank of a person in society.
It is determined by factors like wealth, occupation, education, caste, family background, and
respect received from others.
Types of Social Status:
1. Ascribed Status –Given by birth or family background.
Example: caste, race, gender, royalty.
2. Achieved Status –Earned through effort, talent, and achievements.
Example: becoming a doctor, teacher, engineer, or political leader.
Importance:
Decides social identity and prestige.
Influences lifestyle, opportunities, and relationships.
• Creates differences, but also motivates people to achieve higher positions.

38. Social mobility
Meaning:-Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups from one social status to another within a society.
It shows how people can change their position in the social hierarchy through education, job, income, or marriage.
Types of Social Mobility
1. Upward Mobility-Moving to a higher social position.
Example: A farmer’s son becoming a doctor.
2. Downward Mobility-Moving to a lower social position.
Example: A wealthy businessman losing his fortune.
3. Horizontal Mobility-Change in position at the same level.
Example: A teacher shifting from one school to another.
4. Vertical Mobility-Movement up or down the social hierarchy.
Example: Promotion to a higher post or demotion to a lower one.
5. Inter-generational Mobility-Change in status across generations.
Example: A child of illiterate parents becoming an IAS officer.
6. Intra-generational Mobility-Change in status within a person’s own lifetime.
• Example: A clerk becoming a manager.

39. Education and social mobility
Role of Education in Social Mobility
Bridge to Equality Provides equal opportunities to all, irrespective of caste, class, or gender.
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Skill Development Equips individuals with knowledge and skills for better jobs and income.
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Upward Mobility Helps people rise from lower to higher social positions.
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Awareness & Empowerment Creates awareness about rights, democracy, and social justice.
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Breaking Traditional Barriers Reduces caste, class, and gender inequalities by promoting
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merit-based progress.
Global Opportunities Higher education opens access to international careers and mobility.
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Examples-A child from a poor family becoming an IAS officer through education.
Reservation and scholarship schemes enabling disadvantaged groups to achieve higher status.
Dual Nature-Positive: Inclusive education promotes upward mobility.
• Negative: Unequal access to quality education can maintain social inequality.

40. Social stratification and social mobility
and their relationship with education
Social Stratification and Education
Social Stratification means division of society into different layers (caste, class,
gender, race, religion).
Education is deeply affected by these divisions:
Access to Education: Children from upper classes/castes usually attend better
schools, while lower classes face financial and social barriers.
Quality Gap: Rich students get modern facilities, coaching, and global exposure;
poor students rely on underfunded schools.
Cultural Capital: Families with educated backgrounds pass on values, discipline,
and guidance that help in education.
• Impact: Education can reinforce inequality (when only privileged groups get
quality education), making stratification stronger.

41. Cont.
Social Mobility and Education
Social Mobility refers to movement from one social position to another (upward,
downward, horizontal, vertical, inter-generational, intra-generational).
Education plays a key role in mobility:
Merit-based Progress: Education allows individuals to move beyond caste/class
limitations.
Skill Development: Trains people for better jobs and higher income.
Government Schemes: Reservations, scholarships, and inclusive policies help
disadvantaged groups rise.
Examples:
A farmer’s child becoming an IAS officer.
• Girls from rural areas gaining financial independence through higher education.

42. Relationship of education with both
social stratification and social mobility
Education & Stratification:
Education often reflects existing social divisions (elite schools vs. government schools).
Unequal access maintains inequality across generations.
Education & Mobility:
Education provides opportunities to overcome those divisions.
It is the most powerful tool for upward mobility in modern societies.
Dual Role of Education:-Positive Role: Breaks barriers of caste, class, and gender →
promotes equality and development.
Negative Role: If unequal, it reproduces stratification elites continue to dominate.
→
Conclusion-Social stratification and mobility are two sides of the same coin.
Stratification limits opportunities, but education can break these limits.
A fair and inclusive education system is essential for social justice, equality, and
modernisation.

43. Education and social stratification
Influence of Stratification on Education:
In stratified societies (based on caste, class, or gender), access to education is unequal.
Example: In traditional India, lower castes were denied education; even today, rural and poor
children get fewer facilities compared to urban elites.
Education Maintaining Stratification:
Elite/private schools serve upper classes, while government schools serve lower classes.
This gap ensures that privileged groups stay on top and weaker groups remain disadvantaged.
Education Reducing Stratification:
With policies like Right to Education (RTE), reservations, scholarships, education becomes a tool
to reduce inequality.
Promotes values of democracy, equality, and social justice.
Summary: Education can either reinforce stratification (if unequal) or weaken it (if inclusive).

44. Education and social mobility
Education as an Agent of Upward Mobility:
Provides knowledge, skills, and qualifications that help people secure better jobs and higher status.
Example: A child of a daily wage worker becoming an engineer/IAS officer through education
Education as Inter-generational Mobility:
One generation’s education uplifts the entire family in the next generation.
Example: Parents with little education ensure their children study and move into higher professions.
Education as Intra-generational Mobility:
Within one’s lifetime, education can change position.
Example: A clerk pursuing higher studies and becoming a manager.
Limitations:-Unequal quality of education (elite vs. poor schools) restricts mobility.Education alone
may not be enough without economic and social support.
• 👉 Summary: Education is the strongest tool for upward mobility, but only if access is fair and
equal.

45. Cont.
Together:
Stratification shows how society limits opportunities.
• Mobility shows how education helps break those limits.