1.

INTRODUCTION

Education is often seen as the main way to help people move up in life. But in reality,
education can also make social inequality worse, especially when schools have different
resources and student backgrounds. In the case study, SMK Seri Muka is a rich school with
good teachers and facilities, while SMK Talam Ubi is a poor school with many problems. To
understand this better, we can use three main sociology theories: Structural Functionalism,
Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. These theories help explain how students in
these two schools have very different experiences.

2. ANALYSIS

First conflict Theory says that education is used by the rich and powerful to keep their
power. It says that schools are not fair and are designed to help rich students more than poor
students. At SMK Seri Muka, students already have many advantages. They have
experienced teachers, small classes, and parents who are involved. This helps them succeed
and stay in the upper class. At SMK Talam Ubi, students get fewer chances to succeed. They
may have weak teachers, big classes, and no extra help. As a result, they stay in the lower
class. This theory shows that education keeps poor students poor instead of helping them
succeed.

Second is Symbolic Interactionism, this theory looks at daily interactions in the

classroom, like how teachers talk to students and how students see themselves. It focuses on
things like labels and expectations. In SMK Seri Muka, teachers often give students positive
labels like “smart” or “hardworking.” This makes students feel confident and motivated.
They want to live up to these expectations, and so they do well. In SMK Talam Ubi, students
might get negative labels like “lazy” or “weak.” This can make them feel bad and stop trying.
If teachers have low expectations, students may believe it and perform worse. This creates a
self-fulfilling prophecy.

Third is Structural Functionalism , structural Functionalism sees education as an

important part of society that helps keep everything working well. Schools teach students
how to behave, how to work with others, and prepare them for jobs. At SMK Seri Muka, this
works well. Students get good education, learn values like discipline, and are ready for
college or university. This helps them become useful members of society. At SMK Talam
Ubi, it’s different. The school has fewer resources, many students, and teachers who leave
often. Because of this, students don’t get enough support and may struggle in life. According
to this theory, social inequality happens because some schools cannot do their job properly.

3. MAIN FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION

First is socialization is the process where people learn the values, rules, culture, and
way of life in their society. After the family, school is the most important place for this
process. In school, students learn how to communicate, respect others, and help each other.
They also learn to be good and responsible citizens. Socialization helps people fit into society
and builds their identity. It also strengthens unity among people from different backgrounds.

Second is Social Control, Education also acts as a way to control and guide behavior
in society. In school, students learn to follow rules, respect discipline, and act in a proper
manner. Rewards for good behavior and punishment for breaking rules are part of this
system. This helps students become responsible and respectful adults. Education also teaches
national values and love for the country. All these help create a safe, stable, and peaceful
society.

And last is Social placement, it is means giving people a place or role in society based on
their abilities and achievements. Through exams and assessments, education helps decide
who gets to go to college, what job someone may have, and what level of society they will be
in. For example, students who do well in school may go to university and later become
professionals. This shows that education gives everyone a fair chance to succeed, no matter
their background. It helps people move upward in life based on their hard work.

In my opinion, Education plays a very important role in building a strong, ethical, and
peaceful society. It does not only provide knowledge and skills, but also helps shape how
people behave and live together. Education supports the development of a country by
teaching people how to live in harmony. Three main functions of education are socialization,
social placement, and social control. These functions help both individuals and communities
grow in different ways and work together as a whole.

4. EDUCATION AND SOCIAL INEQUALITY

Education is very important in our lives. It can help people change their future and
live a better life. But sometimes, education can also make social inequality worse if it is not
fair. In my opinion, education can continue social inequality, but it can also help reduce it,
depending on how it is given. Education continues social inequality when not all students get
the same quality of learning. For example, students in cities may have better schools, good
teachers, and more technology. But students in villages or poor areas may not have these
things. Rich families can also send their children to private schools or give them extra
classes. Poor students cannot do that. This makes it harder for them to succeed. However,
education can also help change social inequality. Free and fair education can give all students
the same chance to do well. Scholarships and financial help can support students from poor
families to study more. Special programs for slow learners or disabled students also help
everyone learn at their own pace. Education can also teach students about fairness, justice,
and respect.

5. SUPPORT

In my sociology class, I learned about three important education theories. They are
Structural Functionalism, Conflict Theory, and Symbolic Interactionism. These theories help
us understand how education works in society. Structural Functionalism says that education
helps society stay strong and organized. In school, students learn good values, rules, and how
to behave. They also learn how to work with others. Education gives students different roles
in life based on their skills and effort. Second is Symbolic Interactionism looks at daily life
in school. It focuses on how teachers and students talk to each other. If a teacher calls a
student “smart” or “weak,” the student may start to believe it. This can change how the
student feels and how they perform. Third Conflict.
 Second is According to a report by the Ministry of Education in Malaysia, students in
cities get higher exam scores than students in rural areas. This shows that not all students get
the same quality of education. Education is very important, but not always fair. Some
students get better schools than others. For example, city schools may have good teachers and
modern tools. Village schools may not have enough teachers or books. Rich students can go
to private school or get tuition. Poor students cannot. This makes it hard for them to succeed.
Education should help everyone, not just the rich. All students should get the same chance to
learn. We must make education equal and fair for all.

6. RESEARCH AND REFERENCES

- Bowles, S., & Gintis, H. (1976). Schooling in capitalist America: Educational reform
and the contradictions of economic life. Basic Books.
- Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, self, and society. University of Chicago Press.
- Sadovnik, A. R. (2007). Sociology of education: A critical reader. Routledge.