Social Structure of Education
The social structure of education is based off of social norms, beliefs and expectations created by society. The education system in the U.S. is based off of the cultural belief that education leads to successful careers and financial stability. This belief is not necessarily true anymore; many people are waiting tables years after getting a degree. The organizations, groups, statuses, and roles within the social structure of education gave me roles and statuses as a student.
The organizations within the education system provide structure for school districts, schools, teachers, and students. Standardized tests are required for schools in order to ensure teachers are adequately teaching students what they need to know. This gives schools and teachers requirements. The requirements standardized tests give schools keeps the education system functional. If there weren't standardized tests, schools would have no requirements to meet and the education system would not teach students the nessisary cirriculum. Standardized testing also serves as a way to measure what students need to improve on and what they are succeeding in. This gives parents, students, and teachers the information on what needs to be worked on.
The organizations within the education system provide structure for school districts, schools, teachers, and students. Standardized tests are required for schools in order to ensure teachers are adequately teaching students what they need to know. This gives schools and teachers requirements. The requirements standardized tests give schools keeps the education system functional. If there weren't standardized tests, schools would have no requirements to meet and the education system would not teach students the nessisary cirriculum. Standardized testing also serves as a way to measure what students need to improve on and what they are succeeding in. This gives parents, students, and teachers the information on what needs to be worked on.
As a student I went to school because it is an institutional norm that children go to school. I was under the impression that school a necessity in having a comfortable life. I always planned on going to college because of the cultural beliefs and norms that surrounded me. My status as a student gave me roles that I had to take on in order to be successful. I had to respect my teachers and other adults as a student. Respecting people with a higher status than me was a role I took on as a student due to the social expectations and roles. As a student I have taken on statuses within groups. The groups I have been in include my social circle, sports, and other extra curricular activities. The social structure of education gives people distinct statuses that have distinct roles that must be played. The current education system is has these roles and statuses due to external impacts that give society ideas, beliefs, and expectations in regards to education.
The status I have as a student has been with me for 14 years; I don't even remember not having the status as a student. Being a student has impacted the way I think about everything. I have learned what my status entails and the roles I must take on. For example, I have to be timely with my school assignments in order to remain a student. If I am not timely with my assignments I will not be able to pass my classes. If I don't pass my classes I can not graduate and have the finical success I thrive for. The end result that I am working towards is a cultural belief that I have learned.
A couple of thoughts -
ReplyDeleteRe "came naturally" - be careful. What you describe is the result of socialization (nurture) and not nature. We tend to use that expression to describe things that just "seem to happen," but they are still a result of social experiences.
Your post doesn't really get at the structure of education as much as it reflects on the place of education in society.
I think that you had some really good points here, but you should expand on them. for example, talk more about the educational institution and how you felt that you were forced to go to school.
ReplyDelete