Education plays a key role in every society. However, similar to other sectors in society, education is also built up of a sociological theory or structure. Although there are three major sociological theories to describe the system of education – which are functional perspective, the symbolic interaction view, and the conflict theory – the conflict theory [seems] the best way to understand the system.
Conflict theorists affirm that societies are full of complexities, which are driven by an unending struggle between different groups to gain power and status (Feinberg & Soltis, 2004). This is also seen in education. It is believed that education is unequally distributed to the society in various categories – such as race, class, or gender. However, such perceived inequality is no longer prominent in the entire system of education. For instance, many educational institutions are now accepting international students. This conflict theory, nevertheless, is seen internally – in matters of subjects, standards, learning opportunities, skills, and career expectations. Education is a social life defined by competition (Boundless, n.d.). All students strive hard to get to the top, just for the sake of having the top career opportunities. These individuals are being trained to enter the labor force, where competition is also prominent. Moreover, the educational system is standardized, which prevents skills and knowledge from being utilized efficiently. For instance, a student gifted in music will have to pass some subjects that are not necessarily needed for his career as a musician. Basically, if he fails in this [irrelevant] subject, he fails in his skill. Educational is deemed a tool for discrimination since employment often requires certain educational credentials that are not absolutely needed in the job at all. Although there is stability in education, which the functionalist perspective implies, the system still produces inequality and contradiction in many ways.
References
Boundless (n.d.). The conflict perspective. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/sociology/sociology/the-theoretical-perspectives-in- sociology/the- conflict-perspective/
Feinberg, W., & Soltis, J. (2004). School and society. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
