To provide logical
explanations for why things happen the way they do in group situations,
sociologists make use of theoretical perspective. These theories also become
the basis for analyzing curriculum, instruction and structure in the school
organization. The functionalist and Conflict Theories focus macro-level
sociological analysis, while the interaction theory focuses on the micro level
analysis.
1. The Functionalist Theory -
(other known as equilibrium theory). The key terms in of society. Social
equilibrium is achieved through the process of socialization of members into
the basic values norms of particular group so that consensus is reached. The different
parts or members of the society are interdependent grouped and organized to
form a system.
a. Talcot
Parsons - conceptualized society as a collection of
systems within systems (McLeland, 2000)
b. Emile
Durkheim - believed that education plays a significant
roles in creating, moral unity, which is an imperative in social cohesion and
harmony, Durkheim defined education and the concerns of sociology as follows: ―
Education is the influence exercised by adult generations on those that are not
yet ready for social life, its object is to arouse and to develop in the child
a certain number of physical, intellectual and moral states which are demanded
of him by both the political society as a whole and special milieu for which he
is specifically destined..
2. Conflict Theory -
assumes a tension in society and its part due to competing interest of
individuals and groups. Adherents of the theory argue that what holds society
together is economic, political, cultural, military power and note shared
values alone. The social order is based on the stability of dominant groups to
impose their will on others who are powerless. The Conflict theory is based on
four interlocking concepts: competition, structural inequality, revolution and
war.
a.
Karl Marx -
the founder of the conflict school of thought believed that because the class
system separates the employers from workers and workers from the benefits of
their own labor, class struggle is inevitable. According to him inevitably the
workers would overthrow the capitalists and establish a new society where the
proletariat could freely avail of the benefits of their labor.
b.
Max Weber -
the father of bureaucratic thought was convinced that although power relations
between dominant and powerless group shape society, class differences alone
could not fully explain the complex way human beings from hierarchies and
belief systems and make them work. Weber examined status cultures as well as
class positions. According to him, the main activity of schools is to teach
particular ―status cultures‖ both in and outside the
classroom.
3. Interaction Theories -
the focus of the interaction theory is the communication and the relationship
that exists among and between groups in education- peers, teachers, students,
teacher-principal and teacher- parents. The concern is to study the
social-psychological questions that impact on normative attitudes, values,
aspirations and self –concepts of particular groups that in return impact on
the teaching- learning process.
a. Labeling Theory -
this theory is related to expectations. For instance, in general the
expectations of significant others on the learners, determine to a large extent
in the behavior of students. To this extent, the processes by which students
are labeled either as gifted or learning disabled, fast or slow learner, smart
or dumb, affect the quality as well as the extent and speed of learning.
b. Exchange Theory - is
based on the concept of reciprocity or ‖katugunan‖.
Reciprocal interactions bind individuals (teachers, students, parents,
administrators) with obligations. The consequences of interaction are rewards
and benefits.