ORCHIDS THE

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

(Academic Session-2024-2025)

Submitted By: Koushik Sarkar

Submitted To: Ms. Dishali Soni
Subject: Sociology
Roll No- 04
The role of Education in creating
social change
 Acknowledgement

I would like to express my gratitude to the Principal Mrs. Vibha

Gupta and my Sociology Teacher Ms. Dishali Soni for guiding me
throughout the project and also for giving me valuable
suggestions and guidance for completing this project.

I would also like to thank my family and friends for supporting

and helping me in completing this project. This project would
not be successful without their support and faith in me.
 Certificate

This is to certify that Koushik Sarkar of Class XII has

successfully completed this project work in the subject
of Sociology on the topic “The role of Education in
creating social change” under my guidance for the
academic year 2024-2025.

Internal Examiner External Examiner

 Research Question and Research Objective

Q1. How do programs that teach about different cultures in elementary

schools affect how kids see diversity and feel included?

Objective:
To figure out how learning about different cultures in elementary schools
changes how kids think about diversity and inclusion.

Methodology:

Surveys and Questionnaires: We'll gather numbers from students,

teachers, and parents to see if learning about different cultures changes
how kids view and feel about different cultures and people.

Watching Classrooms: We'll watch how classrooms are run and what's
happening to see how learning about different cultures is being taught
and how kids are getting it.

Talking to Teachers: We'll chat with teachers to learn about their

experiences and what they do to teach about different cultures.
Q2. How does critical pedagogy influence high school students'
involvement in both local and global social justice issues?

Objective:
To explore the impact of critical pedagogy in high school education on
students' awareness and activism regarding both local and global social
justice issues.

Methodology:

Focus Groups: Lead discussions with students to explore their

comprehension and viewpoints on social justice issues, as well as their
motivation to become active activists.

Case Study Analysis: Examine specific high school programs

distinguished for their application of critical pedagogy to pinpoint
successful strategies and their influence on fostering student activism.
 Rationale
How Did I Find It Interesting?
 I’ve seen how educa on can completely transform people’s lives,
especially in communi es where opportuni es are limited.

 Watching students grow and become more aware of social issues

through their educa on is really inspiring.

 The way we teach and what we learn is constantly changing to

be er address the world’s needs.

Why Is It Interesting?

 Education has the power to change people’s lives and open up

opportunities, especially for those who face difficulties or
have fewer chances.

 It’s exciting to see how education can help solve big problems,
like poverty or discrimination, and make the world a better
place for everyone.

 Watching how teaching methods and what we learn are

evolving to address today’s challenges makes education a
dynamic and engaging field.
Why Do I Want to Do Research on This?
I believe education is a powerful tool that can uplift individuals and
communities, especially those facing challenges. Researching this topic allows
me to explore how education can be used to empower people and create a
fairer society.

By looking into how education can help make society better, I want to find
out how to use it to create stronger, fairer communities and societies.
 Research Hypothesis

Students in high school who take part in programs that

combine service with learning about social justice are more
inclined to get involved in their local communities and show a
strong interest in social matters compared to their peers who
do not participate.

Key Points:

Service-Learning Programs: Special courses or activities where

students contribute to their communities while also learning
about social justice.

Community Engagement: Activities such as volunteering or

supporting significant causes.

Interest in Social Issues: Showing concern and a drive to bring

about positive changes in society.

This hypothesis suggests that students who engage in these

programs will be more active in contributing to their
communities and showing interest in social issues than those
who do not have these opportunities.
 Introduction
Learning is a key force behind societal transformation, serving as
both a spark and a pathway for advancement in communities. It's
through learning that people gain the knowledge, abilities, and
principles needed to interact and shape their environment. As
communities grow and change, the importance of learning goes
beyond just classroom learning; it becomes a significant
instrument for advancing fairness, supporting economic growth,
encouraging participation in civic life, and building community
unity.

In the 21st century, the ability of learning to drive change is more

essential than ever. The swift rate of technological progress, the
interconnectedness of the world, and challenges like inequality,
environmental harm, and political unrest highlight the necessity
for a well-educated population capable of tackling these
problems. Learning lays the groundwork for individuals to make
significant contributions to society, pushing forward innovation
and championing beneficial transformations.
Literature review
 Definition of Education

Durkheim conceives of education as "the socialisation of the

younger generation". He further states that it is "a
continuous effort to impose on the child ways of seeing,
feeling and acting which he could not have arrived at
spontaneously"
: - by Durkheim

Sumner defined education as the attempt to transmit to the child the

mores of the group, so that he can learn "what conduct is approved
and what disapproved...how he ought to behave in all kinds of cases:
what he ought to believe and reject"

: -by Sumner
Education and Modernisation

Today, education is seen as a crucial element of contemporary

industrial societies, viewed more as a catalyst for societal
transformation than a tool for social regulation. It's becoming
increasingly secular, with every country investing significant
resources into education, recognizing it as a key requirement for
progress.

The evolution of education, modernization, and advancements in

science, technology, and industry are closely linked. Formal
professional education is now a fundamental need. Basic literacy,
writing, and basic math skills are essential for survival, but higher
education is crucial for securing employment. The kind of education
one receives significantly influences job opportunities.

Modern educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and

universities, focus less on instilling a specific way of life in students,
unlike earlier educational models. This shift is because traditional
education was designed for societies that were stable and
unchanging, unlike the dynamic nature of industrial societies. In
today's society, education's goal is to impart empirical knowledge,
including science, technology, and specialized fields. This shift has
resulted in significant changes, some of which are outlined below:
1. Increased emphasis on science and technology: Modern education
now places a strong emphasis on subjects like science and technology,
leading to a reduction in the time and resources available for
traditional subjects like language and literature. This has limited
students' exposure to their cultural heritage and past traditions.

2. The diminishing significance of values: The influence of

contemporary science and technology has led to a decline in the
importance of many traditional values. Efforts to convince the
younger generation to embrace these values without skepticism are
futile. Concurrently, a new set of values has not emerged to replace
the old ones, resulting in a state of confusion for both individuals and
society. Lacking meaningful human values, the lives of educated
modern individuals have become increasingly mechanized and focused
on material possessions. The lack of agreement on fundamental moral
and ethical questions, as well as what is good and what is bad, has led
to societal conflicts.

3. The perilous aspects of science and technology: The

advancement of science and technology is occurring at an
unprecedented pace, largely driven by modern education. The
unchecked expansion of technology and the aimless progress in
science have significantly contributed to human stress, worry, and
suffering. Francis Bacon once proclaimed, "knowledge is power," but
now many respected scientists have come to the realization that
"knowledge can also be power." The production of lethal weapons of
war has instilled fear in the public regarding science and technology,
necessitating a reevaluation and restructuring of educational
strategies as part of the modernization process.
ROLE OF EDUCATION ON SOCIAL CHANGE

The role of education as an agent or instrument of a social change and

social development is widely recognized nowadays. Social change may
take place when human needs change. Society wishing to change or
modernize itself has to employ a number of means, instruments,
institutions, agents or agencies to achieve its desired goals.

Among such means, education is perhaps the most important.

Education provides necessary training in skills and occupations and
thus, produces the needed competent personnel for maintaining the
different specialized jobs in modern industrial, business, educational
and research establishments. Not only this, education is expected to
change the values and attitudes of people.

The role of education in bringing about social change or modernization

has led leaders and planners in developing nations to make large scale
provisions of educational facilities for their respective people.
Education and Social Change:

FreireÕs Pedagogy of the Oppressed: Paulo Freire (1970) emphasizes education

as a tool for empowerment and critical consciousness. Freire argues that
education should not be about depositing knowledge into passive students (the
"banking model"), but about fostering critical thinking and active participation
in societal transformation.

DeweyÕs Democracy and Education: John Dewey (1916) advocates for

education as a means to cultivate democratic citizenship. Dewey sees education
as integral to promoting social efficiency, personal development, and active
engagement in community life.
 Research Methodology
This research methodology combines survey data from
students and teachers with detailed classroom
observations to provide a robust understanding of
how education can act as a catalyst for social change.
By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods,
the study aims to capture a comprehensive picture of
the educational processes and practices that
contribute to societal transformation. The insights
gained will be valuable for educators, policymakers,
and community leaders seeking to leverage education
as a tool for promoting social change.
 SURVEY

Name: - _________________
Age: - _____
Gender
o Male
o Female

Q1. What is your highest level of education?

o High School
o Bachelor's Degree
o Master's Degree
o Doctorate
o Other, type what _____________

Q2. The curriculum in my school/university includes topics that

promote understanding of social issues.
o Strongly Agree
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
o Strongly Disagree

Q3. My education has helped me develop critical thinking skills to

analyze social problems.
o Strongly Agree
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
o Strongly Disagree
Q4. My school/university encourages students to participate in
community service or social initiatives.
o Strongly Agree
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
o Strongly Disagree

Q5. Teachers in my school/university discuss social issues and

their impact on society.
o Strongly Agree
o Agree
o Neutral
o Disagree
o Strongly Disagree

Q6. Which of the following areas do you believe education impacts

the most?
o Economic Development
o Social Equality
o Political Awareness
o Environmental Sustainability
o Other, type what ____________________

Q7. Do you believe that education should be free for all?

o Yes
o No
o Not Sure
Q6. What types of educational programs do you think are most
effective in creating social change?
o Formal Education
o Informal Education
o Vocational Training
o Community Education
o Other, type what _______________

Q7. Do you believe the curriculum adequately prepares you for

further education or career?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure

Q8. Which of the following factors do you believe influence the

quality of education? (Select all that apply)
o Quality of teachers
o Availability of learning resources
o Class size
o Learning environment
o Parental involvement

Q9. Do you think the school provides equal opportunities for all
students regardless of their background?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure
Q10. Are you satisfied with the availability of extracurricular
activities in your school?
o Very satisfied
o Satisfied
o Neutral
o Dissatisfied
o Very dissatisfied
Q11. Which subjects or courses do you believe need improvement
in terms of quality? (Select all that apply)
o Mathematics
o Science
o Language Arts
o Social Studies
o Physical Education
Q12. Do you feel supported by the teachers and staff at your
school?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure
Q13. Do you believe the grading system accurately reflects your
knowledge and skills?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure

Q14. Which of the following teaching methods do you find most

effective? (Select all that apply)
o Lectures
o Group discussions
o Hands-on activities
o Digital learning
o Project-based learning
Q15. Are you satisfied with the level of support and resources
provided for students with special needs?
o Very satisfied
o Satisfied
o Neutral
o Dissatisfied
o Very dissatisfied

Q16. Do you feel engaged and motivated in your learning

environment?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure

Q17. Are you aware of any initiatives or programs in your school

that focus on improving the quality of education?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure

Q18. Which of the following extracurricular activities do you

believe positively contribute to overall educational experience?
(Select all that apply)
o Sports
o Music
o Art
o Debate
o Community service
Q19. Are you satisfied with the communication between school
administration and students/parents?
o Very satisfied
o Satisfied
o Neutral
o Dissatisfied
o Very dissatisfied

Q20. How would you rate the availability and adequacy of learning
resources in your school?
o Excellent
o Good
o Average
o Poor
o Very poor
 Data Analysis

In the analysis of the significance of education in fostering societal

transformation, the feedback obtained from participants at the
high school, bachelor's, and master's degree levels offers
invaluable perspectives. Through the scrutiny of satisfaction levels
among these cohorts, it is possible to evaluate the impact of
educational progression on the perceptions and involvement of
students in societal change initiatives.
Education plays a critical role in fostering social change, but its
impact varies significantly across different educational levels. High
school education currently leads in promoting satisfaction with
social change initiatives, suggesting a model that higher education
institutions could learn from to enhance their own programs. By
addressing these disparities, educational institutions can better
equip all students to contribute meaningfully to society.

The role of Education in creating social change

10 6

9
5
8

7
4
6

5 3

4
2
3

2
1
1

0 0
High School Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Doctorate Other

Satisfied Dissatisfied Neutral

 Limitations of the Study

1. Sample Size and Demographic Diversity

Limited Sample Size: The study included a specific number of
high school, bachelor’s, and master’s students. While this
provided a broad perspective, the relatively small sample size may
not fully capture the diversity of opinions and experiences across
different regions, institutions, and cultural backgrounds.
Lack of Demographic Diversity: The sample may not adequately
represent the wider population in terms of socioeconomic status,
geographic location, ethnic backgrounds, and types of educational
institutions. This could lead to biases in the responses and limit
the applicability of the findings to different demographic groups.

2. Survey Methodology
Close-ended Questions: The use of close-ended questions in the
survey restricts the depth of responses. While they provide
quantifiable data, they may not capture the nuanced perspectives
of respondents. Open-ended questions or interviews could offer
richer, more detailed insights into the role of education in social
change.
 Conclusion
Education is a powerful engine for social change, influencing
societies in deep and lasting ways. It goes beyond mere knowledge
transmission; it molds individuals' mindsets, promotes social
equity, and drives economic and cultural progress.

•Individual Transformation: Education broadens perspectives,

fosters critical thinking, and equips individuals with the skills
needed to challenge and change societal norms.

• Social Mobility and Equality: By providing access to

opportunities, education helps bridge social divides and promotes
upward mobility, contributing to a more equitable society.

• Economic and Technological Advancement: Education fuels

innovation and economic growth, creating a skilled workforce that
can adapt to and drive progress in a rapidly changing world.

At its core, education serves as a key support system and a

driving force behind societal transformation, making it a crucial
element in the establishment of a fair, welcoming, and forward-
moving community. Putting resources into education means
investing in the advancement of our neighbourhoods and the
improvement of the human race as a unit.
 Bibliography
 https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2212210.pdf
 https://testbook.com/ias-preparation/education-and-social-
change
 https://www.oiirj.org/ejournal/Jan-Feb-Mar2012IEEJ/38.pdf
 https://www.scribd.com/document/260188256/Role-of-
Education-in-Social-Change