Republic of the Philippines
ABRA STATE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY
Bangued Campus
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
AY: 2024-2025
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SCHOOL AND SOCIETY
SCHOOL: A school is an educational institution where students receive
instruction and guidance in various subjects, skill, and social behaviors. It
designed to facilitate learning, personal development, and socialization.
SOCIETY: Society refers to a group of individuals who live together In a
structured community, sharing common laws, tradition.
JOHN DEWEY: (1859-1952) Philosophy of Pragmatism
-Dewey’s philosophy of education emphasized the need for schools to be
closely linked with society. He argued that education should prepare
students for active participation in democratic life. Dewey’s ideas laid the
foundation for progressive education, which stresses the importance of
experiential learning and the connection between education and social life.
JOHN DEWEY “When a school introduces and trains each child of society
into membership within such a little community, saturating him with the
spirit of service, and providing him with the instruments of the effective self-
direction, we shall have the deepest and best guaranty of a larger society
which is worthy, lovely, and harmonious”
Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) Philosophy: Functionalism in sociology
Durkheim viewed education as a crucial social institution that helps integrate
individuals into society by instilling shared values and norms. He believed
schools play a key role in maintaining social cohesion and stability by
transmitting cultural and moral values.
Quote “Society can survive only if there exists among its members a
sufficient degree of homogeneity”
Karl Marx(1818-1883) Philosophy; Marxism
Marx criticized the education system for reinforcing social class divisions. He
argued that school in capitalist societies perpetuate inequalities by
reproducing the social structures that benefits the ruling class, while limiting
opportunities for the working class.
Quote “the ideas of ruling class are in every epoch the ruling ideas”
Pualo Freire (1921-1997) Philosophy: Critical Pedagogy
Freire emphasized the importance of education in empowering individual to
challenge oppressive social systems. His concept of “conscientization”
argues that education should raise awareness about social injustices and
enable students to take action for societal change.
Quote “Education either functions as an instrument to bring about
conformity or freedom”
The relationship of school and society
The relationship between school and society is deeply interconnected,
as schools serve as both a reflection of a societal values and a key
instrument for social change.
1.) Transmission of culture and values:
schools play a critical role in transmitting societal values, norms, and cultural
heritage to the younger generations. They teach students about societal
expectations, civic duties, and social behavior, thereby preparing them to
function effectively in their communities.
2.) Socialization and citizenship:
Schools are primary agents of socializations, where students learn to
interact, collaborate, and build social skills, they help inculcate the ideals of
citizenship, such as democracy, equality, and justice, fostering a sense of
belonging and civic responsibility.
3.) Preparing for work and life:
Schools help students gain the skills needed for jobs, such as reading,
writing, math, and critical thinking. This help them find work and contribute
to the economy or to the society.
4.) Fighting Inequality:
Schools aim to provide equal learning opportunities for everyone, regardless
of background, though challenges like unequal resources can still exist.
5.) Driving social change:
Schools introduces new ideas and encourage students to think critically,
which can lead to positive changes in society, such as advancements in
technology or shifts in social norms.
6.) Connecting with communities:
Schools often work with parents, local organizations, and community
members, creating a support system that benefits everyone involved.
7.) Reflecting society’s problem:
Schools also reflect social issues, like bullying, discrimination, or economic
struggles, and work to address these challenges through education.
Schools and society are closely linked, with each influencing the other.
Schools teach students important values, social skills, and job skills that help
them succeed in life and contribute to their communities. They also reflect
society’s strengths and problems, working to address issues like inequality
and promote positive change. In this way, schools are more than just places
to learn; there are vital to shaping a better society and preparing students
for the future.
“Schools not only prepare students for their future but also reflect and shape
the society they are part of”
