SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF EDUCATION

INTRODUCTION

                        Education produces changes in the behaviour pattern of the individuals. This changes in the behaviour pattern of the individuals will produce changes in the society. This relationship between education and sociology has given birth to a new branch of study known as educational sociology. George Payne, known as the father of educational sociology, published in the book, Principles of Educational Sociology, which threw light on the effect of education on social life and of social life on education. Educational sociology is primarily concerned with social factors in education/social structure, the social process, the social control and social changes. Educational sociology is a branch of sociology. It is the sociological study of educational institutions and processes. It may be defined as the study of education from the sociological point of view. It centres on the study of social institutions and their role in education. It is the study of relationship between education and social system. From another perspective, sociology can be seen as focusing on education and attempting to understand educators, Schools, and other educational institutions in their social and cultural contexts. The sociology of education is concerned with the relationship between education and society.

                        Sociology of education may be defined as the scientific analysis of social processes and social patterns involved in the educational system. An analysis of the social role or roles also comes under the purview of analytical studies included in the field of sociology of education.

MEANING AND DEFINITION

                        The Educational Sociology is a branch of sociology which has come in to existence as a synthesis between education and sociology. Because educational sociology concerns it itself with the development of individuals and the society, it necessarily has to study well the working of various social institutions, social customs and traditions, social rules, social codes and norms of behaviour which affect human progress and development through various educational activities and  experiences. George Payne is regarded as the father of educational sociology. In his book he has discussed the influence of education upon group life and the effect of the group life upon education.  He has also laid emphasis up on the study of all those social influences which influence human beings in the growth and complete development. In addition to Payne, other sociologists like John Dewey, Moore, Fredrick Lepay, Ducan, Cole and MacIver have contributed a great deal in the development of educational sociology. John Dewey in his books – School and Society and Democracy and Education laid great importance to educational sociology and regard education as a social process. He attaches great importance to working of social consciousness which inspires an individual to achieve more and more educational eminence. This social consciousness is the essential base of education and as such needs close study of its working and development .

Definitions

                        1 “Educational sociology is the study of interaction of the individual and his cultural environment.” - Brown

                        2 “Educational sociology start with the assumption that education is an activity which goes on in society and the society in turn determines the nature of education.” -      Ottaway.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIOLOGICAL EDUCATION

                        The chief characteristics sociological Education is as follows:

1. Modifying individuals behaviour: The sociological education not only emphasizes the development of a child's inherent tendencies, it also lays stress upon the adjustment of a child’s thinking and behaviour in harmony with the environmental conditions and Circumstances.

2. Preparation for successful social life: It create such a dynamic citizens who are conscious of their rights and duties and discharging their obligations to the utmost extent by participating in the economic, political, social activities of the country to the full to lead their on lives successfully and contributed their best to the social and good value to the society.

3. Opposition of individualism:  This tendency tries to correct the imbalance generated by excessive adherence to individualism of this century. It emphasizes social welfare over individual development only.

4. Development of social values: It lays stress upon the development of social qualities in children so that, by understanding their social obligations, their able to lead their lives happily.

5. Importance of social subjects in the curriculum:  Sociological tendencies advocate the inclusion in the curriculum of those subjects the study of which builds the capacity to meet social needs and solve social problems. Hence, assigning lesser importance to academic subjects, this tendencies attache great value to the study of natural science and social science.

6 Free and compulsory education For social welfare and development, contribution of all individuals is essential. To develop this feeling, education is the only effective means. This reduce the social superstitious.

7 Understanding the complexities life It emphasizes up on the fact that children should understand the complexities of modern life. A clear understand of these will enable them to choose freely their own paths and directions.

8 Study of problems connected with practical life This brings out in to prominence the need of enabling children to understand the intricacies and problems of actual and practical life in Morden times. This will enable them face the challenges of life boldly and contribute their best social welfare.

9 Emphasizes on vocational education like scientific tendencies, this tendency also emphasizes the need and importance of vocational, technical and industrial education so that, after receiving such education, children are able to earn their livelihood by their on efforts and contribute their best social welfare and development.

10 State educational system This tendency believes in the democratic setup of state for success of which education of the masses is essential. Hence, this tendency advocates an efficient state system of education for the good of one and all.

AIMS OF EDUCATIONAL SOCIOLOGY

                        Sociology shapes education and thus forms a vital force in the entire framework of education. The educational sociologist laid greater stress on social aims in education. He always thinks in terms of society in fixing in the aims of education. This social aims of education is to inculcate social qualities and social feelings and social responsibilities in children. The aims of education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but to make the individual 'socially acceptable and responsible, technically efficient and personally well adjusted'. In short, Educational sociologist emphasizes education for citizenship, social efficiency, democracy, equality, cultural progress, leadership...

                        According to Harington, the following are the aims of educational sociology.

1 To acquire knowledge about school work and the work of teachers in relation to society and social progress.

2 To study the effects of social elements on the schools

3 To acquire knowledge about the effects of social elements on individual

4 To construct a curriculum of education with full understanding of the economic and cultural tendencies of society.

5 To gain knowledge about the democratic ideologies

6 To employ research techniques for achieving the aims of educational sociology

SCOP OF EDUCATIONAL SOCIOLOGY

                        Educational sociology is a wide and comprehensive subject because it deals with the influence of educational process on sociology and the effects of sociological processes on education. William T. Hartis, The United State commissioner of educational, was the first educationist to emphasize the education must be based on sociology. John Dewey, the well known educational philosopher expressed his view 'my pedagogic creed' that the schools is primarily a social institution, education being a social process. The scope of educational sociology can be summarized as

1 Mutual relation of teachers and students

2 Importance and role of teacher in society

3 social problems needs and aspirations

4 Small units of society and their interrelation

5 The school and its relation with local social institutions

6 Effect of social life upon individual and schools

7 Progress of democratic feelings in school

8 Necessary modifications in the curriculum for individual and social growth.

9 Encouragement to critical thinking and investigation

10 Evaluation of radio, T.V., press as medium of social progress

11 Determination of teaching methods for the development of the child

12 Investigation of all the sources of social restriction and social advancement

13 Study of school as a miniature society

14 Creation of democratic sentiments in pupils.

15 Needs and problems of the community

16 influence of social life on the school and the individuals

17 Aims, curriculum, methods of teaching and role of teacher in the social context

IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATIONAL SOCIOLOGY

                        We are throwing light on the importance of educational sociology in the following lines

1 Educational sociology starts its work with the belief that man is a  social being. This feeling was not prevalent in ancient times. In those days, racial discrimination held sway over the mines of people in general. Thus it was not right of every individual to receive education. For example, in ancient India, none except the Brahmins had the right the Vedas. In the same way, only the Ashtrays alone could learn the art of warfare. But the conditions have vastly changed today.

Because of the influence of educational sociology, it is now the right of every human being to receiving much education as he is capable of according his needs, aptitudes and abilities.

2 Educational sociology affords full protection in the preservation and progress of culture. Thus, everybody becomes able to develop those cultural qualities which prompt international understanding and welfare.

3 Educational sociology formulates such rules and procedures which establish and develop social growth.

4 By the help of educational sociology individual endeavour to create those social institutions which are above all discrimination and differences. All fellow human beings receive due recognition and encouragement for their development to the fullest extent possible.

5 Educational sociology secures for an individual a safe, reliant and self development living in society. Social science promotes social adjustment by one and all and inculcates in them urges and desires for social service and social good.

6 Educational sociology tries to secure and promote happy life for all individuals. The mass of people understand their welfare strive to achieve social good for all. Educational sociology strives to gain understanding social groups, their creation and coming in to existence and their inter relation and inter dynamic.

EDUCATION AND SOCIAL CHANGES

                        The dynamic nature of society brings about changes in social organizations, in the    behaviour of the people and the culture of the people. These changes in the society are called social changes. It is reflected in the laws, customs, modes and beliefs of the peoples. It implies change in the lifestyle of group or society. There are three types of social changes.

1 Civilization change referring to dress, and food habits, production techniques, communication system...

2 Cultural changes associated with new knowledge, religion, rituals, arts, literature...

3 Changes in the social relationships such as between father and son, teacher and student, husband and wife...

                        Whenever an interaction taken place between to individuals or in each human relationship, there is some novelty, particular style and some changes. These changes called social changes. Social change may involve new techniques, new ways of making a living, changes in the residence, developing of new ideas and formulation of new values, modification in traditional style, changes in social structure.

            According to R.B. Mathur “Social changes refers to the modification in the organization and behaviour of the groups as expressed in its laws, institutions and customs and beliefs”. It may also be in dress, habits, traditions, folkways and values. Social change comprehensive change including changes in social structure, social relationship and cultural aspects.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE

1 Geographical factors like climatic conditions that influence the the social conditions

2 Psychological factors like motivation, individualization...

3 Sociological factors like social conflicts, social oppressions, modernization...

4 Explosion of population

5 The environmental factors like newly built cities, industrialized and urbanized natural environment

6 The scientific and technological factors like technical advancements, new inventions, modern machineries, tools …

7 The ideological factors like social philosophy, political philosopher and religious philosophy

8 The legislative factors like legislation on temple entry, banning child marriages...

9 The impact of western civilization and cultural diffusion

10 contacts with people of different culture

11 The level of education and literacy attained by the society

12 Modernization of the society

13 New attitudes to wealth, work, saving and risk taking

14 War, Natural calamities, revolutions, migrations of the peoples

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND SOCIAL CHANGE

                        According to V.R. Taneja “Education and social change is a two way  traffic, while education preserves, transmits and disseminates the whole culture, social changes is the instrument and precondition of educational thought.”.The following are the relationship between these two.

1 Education as a condition of social changes it is noted that social changes is impossible without education. Education makes the people aware of the inadequacies of the existing system and creates a craze for social reform. Many of the old superstitions, beliefs a and outdated customs, which social progress, can be prevented by education. It is to be noted that many progressive reformers like Hindu code bill and untouchability removal act remained ineffective due to the illiteracy of a large number of Indian people.

2 education as a instrument of social change, education is considered as powerful instrument for social changes, because it deals mainly with the thought patterns and behaviour pattern of the younger generation. The axe of education can cut down the thick roots of traditional superstitions, ignorance and backwardness. Education prepares the people for social changes

3 Education as an effect of social changes. In the wake of social changes, people became aware of the need for educational progress. The changes caused by political upheaval, industrialization, technological progress and religious reform movements naturally demands more educations in order to maintain social equilibrium. In India the enrolment in educational institutions has increased enormously since independence.

                        We may summarize the relation between education and social change in the following way.

1 Education initiates the social changes and gives them direction and purpose

2 Education creates social reformers and leaders who consciously make all the efforts to bring about social changes.

3 Education prepare individual for social changes. It brings a change in the need dispositions and also creates frustrations.

4 Education determines nature of social changes, which ought to be brought about

Conclusion

Sociology shapes education and forms a vital force in the entire frame work of education. The social aim of education is to inculcate social qualities and social feelings and social education is prominent in different perspectives. Sociology can be seen as focusing an education an attempting to understand educators, schools, and other educational institutions in their social and cultural context. As Emily Durkheim considered education “to be something essentially in character, in its origin and its function and that as results the theory of education relates more clearly to sociology than to any other science”

Education produce change in the behavior pattern of the individuals. This change in the behavior pattern of individual will produced change in society. Their relationship between education and sociology given birth to a new branch of study is called educational sociology. To conclude I would say education is a social process, it brinks about socially acceptable behavior patterns in individuals and socializes the child. The social structure, social process, social communities and social changes have their influence on education. Thus education and sociology are interrelated.

REFERENCES

Lloyd Allen Cook & Elaine Forsyth Cook. (1960). Sociological Approach to Education. Bombay: Tata Mcgrw hill publishing company ltd.

Sharma, V. K. (2005). Education And Sociological Thoughts. New Delhi: Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd.

Thankachan, T. C. (2011). Philosophical And Sociological Bases of Education. Kottayam: V Publishers.