Introduction to the Social Dimension of Education

1. Social Dimensions of Education
Lovebella C. Jao
Discussant

2. Introduction to the Social
Dimensions of Education
Consensus and Conflict Theory
Lovebella C. Jao
Discussant

3. Learning Objectives:
 Differentiate the various social science
theories,
 Explain the relationship of the various social
theories– the conflict, consensus,
functionalism and interactionist theories-- and
educational systems,
 Discuss how the various social theories affect
the functions of schools.

4. Consensus Theories
Shared norms and values
as fundamental to society
Focus on social order
based on tacit agreements
Social change occurs in
slow and orderly fashion
Conflict Theories
Emphasize the
dominance of some social
groups
See social order as
manipulation and control
by dominant groups
Social change occurs
rapidly and in a disorderly
fashion

5. Consensus and Conflict Theory
Consensus
is a general or widespread agreement among
all members of a particular society.
Conflict
is a clash between ideas, principles and
people.

6. Consensus
Examine value integration in
society
Absence of conflict is seen
the equilibrium sets on a
general or widespread
agreement among all
members of a particular
society
Conflict
Examine conflicts of interest
and coercion that holds
society together
Can be COVERT or OVERT
Focus on the heterogeneous
nature of society and the
differential distribution of
political and social power—
Horton and Hunt ( 1984)

7. What is the impact of conflict theory in
the Philippine education system ?
Schools contribute to the unequal distribution
of people into jobs in society.
Powerful members – best positions
Less powerful groups ( minority, ethnic, racial,
women) – lowest rank

8. What is the role of education in assuming
the conflict theory?
Education plays in maintaining the prestige,
power, and economic and social position of
the dominant group in society.

9. What causes conflict within a
particular human society ???

10. How do people or an
organization settle a conflict ???
 Conflicts need not be violent, it can take the
form of labor negotiations, party politics,
competition between religious groups.

11. Conflict theorists are interested in how society’s
institutions – the family, government, religion,
education, and the media – may help to maintain the
privileges of some groups and keep others in a
subservient position .
Consensus theory is concerned with the maintenance
or continuation of social order in society, in relation
to accepted norms, values, rules and regulations as
widely accepted or collectively by the society or
within a particular society itself.

12. The Conflict Model
Social structures produce patterns of inequality in
the distribution of scarce resources
Conflict
Reorganization and Change

13. The proponents of consensus and conflict sociological
and social theories are :
Karl Marx
Emile Durkheim
Max Weber
Talcott Parsons & Robert Merton
Louis Althusser & Ralph Dahrendorf
Herbert Mead & Herbert Blumer

14. Max Weber – schools teach and
maintain particular “status cultures”
Status cultures refers to groups in society
with similar interests and positions in the
status hierarchy.
 Schools are homogeneous in their student
bodies.
 Education systems train individuals in
specialties to fill needed positions or prepare
“cultivated individuals”

15. Thank You!!!