NAME.
ZANDILE
SURNAME. NDLOVU
STUDENT NUMBER. 58265406
MODULE CODE. SED
ASSIGNMENT 2
CONTENT PAGE
Page 1. Cover page
Page 2 Content page
Page 3. Declaration of Honest
Page 4 Question 1
Page 4-5 Question 2
Page 6 Question 3
Page 7 Question 4
Page 8 Question 5
DECLARATION OF HONEST
I (full names): .....ZANDILE NDLOVU .......................................................
Student number 58265406 Module: SED
Declare that
I understand what plagiarism entails and am aware of the University’s policy in this
regard.
I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I used someone else’s
work, whether a printed source, the internet, or any other source, I give the proper
acknowledgement and include a complete reference list.
I did not use another current or previous student’s work, submitting it as my own.
I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of
submitting it as his or her own work.
Signature Z . NDLOVU Date: 20/06/25.
QUESTION 1
1.1. SOCIOLOGY OF EDUCATION
Sociology of education is the field that examines the relationship between education
and the social structure like race, gender, class It seeks to examine how social class
promotes inequality.
1.2 MEANING OF EDUCATION
Education is the transmission of knowledge skills, values and habits. Education
involves acquiring information.
1.3 EXPLAINING CONCEPTS
a MERITOCRACY
Meritocracy - A social system where achievements and advancement of individuals is
based on personal effort, talent or ability rather than their backgrounds or wealth. It
promotes fairness and equality in the society.
b) SOCIAL CLASS
A group of people who shared a similar status in the society.
It can be social positions , economic and occupational. Social class are used to
analyze the patterns of life for individuals.
c) SOLIDARITY
A group of people who show support for another group.It can be based on interest of
common goals. It is a collectiove action of support.It is mainly used by organisations
to express their views on certain issues.
d) MICRO- SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
An approach that studies few groups of individuals,how they interact, behave within a
social context. Individuals can be interviewed to get their opinions on how they
interpret certain societal issues.
e) MACRO - SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Sociological approach analysing a large scale of social structures , systems and
institutions.It deal with issues that shape the society for example economic and
political issues.
1.4 ASSIMILATION AND TRANSMISSION OF CULTURE AND
TRADITION
The aim of assimilation and transmission of culture and traditions can be done
through different methods.
INCLUSIVE TEACHING
Learners can be encouraged to discuss about different cultural practices and traditions
which can foster an inclusive learning environment.
INVOLVING THE COMMUNITIES
Guest can be invited to speak about different cultures and share their traditions for the
benefitof everyone.
CURRICULUM DESIGN
Learning about different cultures to open learners to different cultures and traditions.
CELEBRATING DIVERSITY
Events like Heritage Day done to celebrate diversity opening learners to different
cultures and traditions.
1.5CRITICISM OF FUNCTIONAL THEORY
Functionalism is a sociological theory that has faced criticism for over emphasizing
order in the society yet overlooking potential for conflict and societal change.
IGNORES INEQUALITY
Functionalism may overlook social inequality and power structures with in societies
leading to narrow understanding of social issues.
CONSERVATION
Conservative views by resisting to change.
QUESTION 2
2.1 CONFLICT THEORY AND FAMILY
ConfliCT theory views family roles as promoting social inequality and conforming to
the interest of dominant groups in society. The reasons are as follows.
INEQUALITY
Families reforce social inequality by practicing power differences with family
structures. Rich children tend to inherited riches from their parents while poor
families struggle with the cycle.
AGENTS OF SOCIAL CONTROL
Families instil to their families norms and values expected of them by society
perpetuating existing power structures.
POWER DYNAMICS
Conflict theorist suggests that families promotes gender inequality by generational
power struggles.
2.3] ASSUPTION OF SYMBOLIC INTERACTISIM
1]Subjective meaning: Individuals act based on how they attribute to situations.
2]Social interaction : meaning is interpreted through social interpretation.
3]Self concept: individuals develop sense of self during interactions.
4]Symbol gestures : symbols can create a meaning during communication.
QUESTION 3
ROLE OF FAMILY ACCORDING TO THE FUNCTIONALISM THEORY
3.1 According to functionalism families play impotent rolesas follows
REPRODUCTION
Families ensures continuation of society by being the units of pro Creation.
SOCIALIZATION
Children are taught values, norms,on how to behave in the society by families
preparing them to become responsible society members.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Feel a sense of belonging always the in times of need.
ECONOMICAL
A family provides economic support to each other.
.
3.2 ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CONFLICT THEORY
The theory suggests that there is inequality in the society where bpower and resources
are not equal distributed.
COMPETING FOR RESOURCES
People compete for resources and power creating conflicts and competition.
DOMINANT GROUP
Conflict theorist states that there is a group of people who are privileged to seek to
keep power at the expense of others.
ECONOMIC DETERMINISM
This is where by economic factors shapes social relations causing conflicts.
In conclusion the theory seeks to provide a framework on which people may live.
3.3 SOCIAL PLACEMENT
A process of which individuals are placed in the society hierarchy.It can be influenced
by certain factors that includes education, occupational and social class.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN SSOCIETY
The government acts as a system that connects different parts of the society together
ensuring that there is social order and stability. The government maintain order by
PROMOTING SOCIAL COHESION through shared resources
It create and enforce law to prevent chaos .The government also seek to instill
discipline by punishing offenders.The government is responsible for providing
essential services which includes the infrastructure for the benefit of it's people.The
government regulates economic activities to ensure stability and also manages the
resources.
QUESTION 4
4.1 THE GOVERNMENT POLITICAL STRUCTURES AS SOCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
Government is made up of different institutions, one of them is the political structure.
The political structure is responsible for maintaining law and order. It is also the one
responsible for providing basic needs of citizens, instilling social norms, values and
behavior. One of the other responsibilities is to put regulations and policies of
government.
4.2 THE CONCEPT OF SOCIALIZATION
It is a system where through economic and political system people own the means of
production. Instead of private ownership, the community own resources.The main
idea of this system is to reduce inequality and that people benefit from their
resources .For example there and benefits like pensions and unemployment which
addresses poverty.
4.3 THE NORM OF UNIVERSALISM
The norm of universalism refers to that certain beliefs, values, principles should be
universal irregardless of social and cultural background. For example human rights
should apply and be upheld across the society. This promotes equality, fairness and
justice. It it the key to uphold human rights.
4.4 FUNCTIONALISM THEORY AT SCHOOL
It is a theory that supports education as the key to fulfill certain roles in society. It
emphasizes on how education tramits shared values and norms to individuals in
preparation to future roles in society. For example social placement. It provides skills
to find places in society (work) Socialization teaches norms , values and beliefs on the
society and control how individuals behave in the society.
QUESTION 5
5.1. THE ROLE OF RELIGION AS SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Religion plays an important role in society. It serves several functions in the society.
Religion gives meaning and purpose to life. It reinforces social unity and stability by
promoting certain cultural norms of society. Religion promotes social cohesion
promoting a sense of belonging.
5.2 SCHOOL CLIMATE
School climate refers to the overall atmosphere and environment at school. It
encompasses the social, emotional and physical aspects. It includes how an individual
relates to teachers ,staff , other learners and school policies.If the climate is negative ,
the learner will perform badly and if it is goiit produces positive results.Examples
Supportive relationships
Positive interactions , between staff and learners contributes to a positive climate
where learners are likely to to strive.
Engaging learning environment where inclusive learning takes place, extracurricular
activities produce a school climate that enhances learning.
5.3 BRONFEBRENNER 's MICROSYSTEM
According to BRONFEBRENNER 's Ecological Systems microsystem refers to the
immediate environment in which individuals live. It includes for example home
interaction with siblings and experiences with the neighborhood, school interaction
with staff and other.It is the face to face daily interactions that affect how an
individual develops.
5.4 BRONFEBRENNER 'S MESO SYSTEM
According to Bronferbrenner 's Ecological Systems the Mesosystem refers to the
interconnecting between the different microsystem in an individual 's life. It is how
the individual interacts within different settings which have an impact on how such a
person develops.
Examples of the Mesosystem
The relationship of an individual with family and school. How the individual
performs academical mat have an impact on how she/ he behaves at home
_ interaction with peers - It can be at home or on social gatherings such as Church.
- Connection with community or work place may influence the individual 's
participation in certain activities.
5.5 THE HIDDEN CURRICULUM
Hidden cutrefers to unspoken values, norms and behavior that are taught in
educational institutions alongside the official curriculum. These can be through
interaction or structures found in the institutions. Hidden curriculum can be how to
conduct self at school, obeying authority,, school hierarchy and this influence the
Student 's development. Hidden curriculum is crucial for student learning with out
being explicitly taught in the formal curriculum.
