UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENTS

DECLARATION FORM
(YourAssessment will not be marked if this is not completed

l, Hanre-Gee Theuns Arends

(l.lame & Sumame)

Module code: SED2501

Hereby declare the following:

I understand UNISA'S policy on plagiarism. This assignment is my original work produced by

myself. I have duly acknowledged all the other people's work (both electronic and printlthrough
the proper reference techniques as stipulated in this module.

I have not copied work of others and handed it in as my own. I have also not made my work
available to to submit as their own
Signatu ....Date :241Oil2A24.

I
HAN RE-GEE TH EUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED26O1

Question 1

1.1 Sociology is the scientific study of society, social groups,

individuals, and their interrelationships with social structure.
Sociology examines how individuals like us interact with each
other, how society are structured, and how social norms and
institutions influence human behaviour. Sociology also encourages
people to question what they take for granted in society and view
routines with a fresh perspective.

1.2 Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and values

through various formal and informal methods such as schooling
and experiencing. And is it also a dynamic process that serves as
a form of socialisation. The aim of education is to develop students
on an emotional and social level to prepare them as active
participants in society. lt is the mean through which individuals are
prepared for mature life and society is maintained.

1.3 (a) Assimilation is the process where individuals become similarlo

others by taking and using their customs and culture for example a
chef who is learning a new cooking technique.

(b) society is a group of individuals that shares a common culture,

norm and value that interact with each other within a specific
geographical area or social structure.

(c) The ecology of a school refers to the interactions and

interdependencies between various elements within the school
environment, curriculum, and the physical school setting.
HANRE-GEE THEUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED2601

1.4 This can be achieved by implementing activities that encourage

critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and creativity.
Teachers can design lessons that promote innovation, teamwork,
and positive social interactions among students. Additionally, they
can provide opportunities for students to think out of the box and
express their ideas, let them use of their hands on teamwork
building school project that is part of the yearly assignments, and
help them to explore diverse perspectives that can foster
constructive and creative thinking skills. Here are two examples
how this aim can be taught in the classroom: (1) Design Thinking
Workshops. lntroducing design thinking workshops in the
classroom can help students develop empathy, define problems
and prototype ideas. This interactive process can stimulate
students creativity and encourage them to think out of the box. (2)
Project Based Learning: By implementing project-based learning
activities students can work on real world problems or challenges
that can help them to activate their constructive and creative
forces. This project can encourage students to apply their
knowledge and produce innovative solutions.

:.

1.5 Here are the main proponents of the conflict theory:

a Karl [/arx considered as the father of the conflict theory

focused his attention on the development of capitalism and

developed a strong critique of the system.
a [/ax Weber expand [Vlarx's ideas by emphasising the role of
power and authority in society. He was the one highlighting
the multidimensional nature of inequality, status, and political
power.
a C. Wright lMills was the one who focus on the different
interests that emerge in society. A notable example is the
middle class might have certain interests and privileges in
society which they work hard for to protect.
o Ralf Dehrendorf: He argued that conflict is not always bad

but can have a positive impact in society.

o Lewis Coser: Coser experienced that conflict can strengthen

social relationships and solidarity in groups.

 HANRE-GEE TH EUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED2601

Question 2
2.1The conflict perspective views family as a vehicle that maintain
gender inequality and social inequality in society. This theory highlights
the role and power in families' basic lives and contends that families is
not a safe and healthy environment but rather an arena where power
struggles might occur. According to the conflict families reflect and
reinforce existing power dynamics and inequalities in society. Conflict
theorists had started to see families as a social arrangement where men
have more benefits than women and that men maintain a position of
power in the household. ln traditional family forms in most cultures
males tend to have more power than females. Conflict theorists argue
that the structure of families including gender roles, division of labour
can be shaped by unequal distribution of resources and can lead to
social satisfaction. The theory suggests that families can be sites of
conflict over resources such as wealth, power, and opportunities.

2.2 Family serves as a fundamental social institution that plays a crucial

role in society. lt is responsible for providing emotional support,
socialisation and to provide care for family members. Families also
transmit cultural values, norms, and traditions from one generation to the
next generation. Additionally, families contribute to the stability and
cohesion of society by creating a sense of belonging and identity for
individuals.

2.3 Principles of Symbolic lnteractionism Theory:

. Meaning: People act based on the meanings they attribute to
objects and situations.
o lnteraction. I\4eaning arises through social interaction with others.
o lnterpretation: lndividuals interpret and modify meanings through a
process called reflection and interaction.
. self: The self is a product of social interaction and emerges
through the process of symbolic communication.
. society: ls created and maintained through ongoing social
interactions and shares meaningful meanings, among others.

T
HANRE.GEE TH EUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED2601

2.4 Identify the major criticisms of functionalism theory: A

1. Overemphasis on stability and order: Critics argue that
functionalism focuses too much on social order and stability,
neglecting the potential and change in society.
2. lgnoring lndividual agency; Functionalism is criticized for
downplaying the role of individual agency and free will in shaping
social structures and interactions.
3. Static view of Society: Critics argue that factionalism fails to
adequately address power dynamics and inequalities within
society, particularly in terms of how they influence social structures
and functions.

Question 3

3.1 Social interactionist perspectives on families examine how

family members and intimate couples interact daily and arrivd
understandings of their situations. Symbolic interactionism is a
micro level theory that focuses on the meanings attached to
human interaction both verbal and non-verbal and to symbols. I

This theory emphasises the importance of families as a primary

context where individuals learn and internalise meanings,
symbols, and social norms through interactions with their family
members. Families are seen as the primary socialising agent
where individuals learn how to interpret and respond to
symbols, language and learn how to shape their understanding
of the world. Symbolic lnteractionism theory highlights the role
of ongoing communication within the family in shaping their
identities and roles and responsibilities.
HANRE.GEE TH EUNS AREN DS ASSESSMENT 02 SED26O1

3.2 The AGIL IVIODEL proposed by the sociologist Talcott Parsons

is a framework for understanding the functions of social
systems. The model consists of four functional imperatives:
Adaptation(A), Goal Attainment (G), lntegration (l) and Latency
(L). Adaptation refers to the system's ability to interact with its
environment, Goal Attainment involves achieving the system's
objectives, lntegration focuses on maintaining internal stability
and coherence and Latency pertains to the system's capacity
for cultural maintenance and pattern persistence.

3.3 Conflict theory views the role of schooling in society as a tool

that is used by dominant group to maintain their power and
privilege. According to this perspective schools perpetuate and
reproduce existing social inequalities by providing advantages
to the dominant groups mean while disadvantaging
marginalised groups. The role of the conflict theory in schooling
points out that schools can reinforce existing power structures
and contributes to the reproduction of social satisfaction by
providing unequal educational opportunities based on social
class, race, and gender. This highlights the role of the school in
l\
perpetuating and reproducing social inequalities.

3.4 The conflict theory is a sociological perspective that views

society as being in a state of perpetual conflict due to
competition for limited resources. lt focuses on the unequal
distribution of power, wealth, and resources in society and how
these inequalities lead to social conflict and change. Conflict
theory analyses how dominant groups maintain their power and
privilege at the expense of subordinating groups, leading to
social stratification and oppression. For example, the conflict
theory can be applied to understand how economic inequality
leads to class, or how discrimination can contribute to racial and
gender-based conflicts.
HANRE-GEE TH EUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED26O1

Question 4
{l_As a social institution, schools play a crucial role in society by
providing education, socialisation, and skills development to individuals.
Social institutions are structures in society that perform important
functions and fulfil vital needs. They serve as a place where students
learn not only academic subjects but also social norms, values and
behaviours that are essential for them to function in society. Schools also
help in the transmission of culture and promoting social cohesion.
Examples of schools as social institutions include: (1) Public Schools:
They a key role in providing education to children from diverse
backgrounds and promoting social equality. (2) Private schools: Are run
by private organisations from specific socio-economic backgrounds.
They can reflect different values and educational philosophies that
contribute to the diversity of educational options in society. (3) Charter
Schools: Are publicly funded but operate independently. They offer
alternative educational approaches and can serve as laboratories for
educational innovations. Overall schools as social institutions play a vital
role in shaping individuals and contributing to the overall development of
society. !

4.2 Social integration refers to the process of bringing together

individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds to form a cohesive. This
involves the creation of social bonds, mutual respect and a sense
belonging among diverse members of the community. The purpose of
social integration is to reduce social divisions, discrimination, and
inequality by promoting interactions and cooperation among people of
diverse cultures and socio-economic statuses. The importance of social
integration is it reduce conflict, enhance well-being, and improve
economic growth.

4,L Assimilation in relation to the social function of a school refers to the

process where individuals from diverse backgrounds adapt to the
dominant culture of a society. This can impact how students from diverse
cultural backgrounds interact and integrate into the broader society
through the educational system. Assimilation can help students create
social unity among students with diverse cultural backgrounds. Schools
may promote assimilation by encouraging students to adopt the
HAN RE-GEE TH EUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED26O1

language, behaviour and values of the dominant group or culture. To

conclude, assimilation can facilitate social cohesion within the school by
giving recognition to diverse cultures and celebrate cultural diversities
this can create an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

4.4 This theory provides a framework for understanding the relationship

between education and society that can contribute to the development of
effective educational policies and practices. Functionalism theory
emphasises the importance of socialisation and learning the norms and
values of society. lt is important to combine the functionalism theory with
other educational theories to develop a comprehensive approach that
addresses the special needs and challenges of South African schools. ln
context of the South Africa the functionalism theory can be used to
analyse the roles of education in previous apartheid society, focusing on
how schools can contribute to economic development and how they can
reduce inequalities. And this can be also applied to understand the
challenges and opportunities within the South African education system
meaning promoting equal opportunities and prepare students for \
demands of a rapidly society. This theory provides a framework for
understanding the functions of schools in South Africa within the Broader
context of society and social stability.
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Question 5

5.1 The role of the economy as a social institution is to organise the

production, distribution and consumption of goods and services within a
society. lt helps to determine how resources are allocated, how wealth is
generated and distributed and how individuals and businesses interact
to meet their needs and wants. The economy had the impact to create
social society systems that are capitalism and socialism to describe the
methods of how resources are shared and the interactions between
society and individuals. The economy influences social relationships and
overall well-being within a society.
HAN RE-GEE THEUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT02 SED2601

5.2 Ecology in schools refers to the interaction and interdependencies

between diverse elements within the school environment, curriculurn,
and the physical school setting. This includes the physical environment,
social interactions, policies, and practices within the school setting. lt
compasses the social, emotional, and academic dynamics within the
development and experiences of individuals within the context.
Examples of factors that contribute to the ecology of a school include
classroom design, teacher student relationships, school culture,
curriculum, and extracurricular activities. These elements interact to
create a unique learning environment that can impact student's
academic achievements and emotional and physicar well-being.

5.3 The chronosystem refers to the dimension of time in relation to a

person's environment and development. This includes the historical
context, life transitions, and sociohistorical events that can influence an
individual's development over time. And the chronosystem emphasizes
the dynamic nature of society and the ongoing evolution of its influences
on human development.

5.4 Ecosystem forms part of the ecological system theory it refers to the
external environments that indirectly influence an individual such as the
parent's workplace, the mass media, and the community. The exosystem
plays a huge role in shaping and creating individual's experiences and
indirectly impacting their character and development.

5.5 Modernisation is the process of adapting something to modern

needs or habits typically referring to the processes of societies or
countries adapting modern technologies, institutions, and ways of life.

5.6 Hegemony refers to the dominance or leadership of one state or

social group over others. There are military, political, and economic
hegemons. For example, The Nazi Germany is a crear example of
military hegemony.
HAN RE.GEE THEUNS ARENDS ASSESSMENT 02 SED2601

Biblioqraohv
. Prescribed textbook: Sociology of Education
. Handmade study notes for SED2601 by Hanre-Gee Arends
. The lmportance of Ecological Education in Schools
( https //www ecom e n a. o ro/ed u cati o n -e n v i ro n m
: e nta l -
protection/l
o What is ecology (https://www.esa.org/abouUwhat-does-ecoloqv-
haveto-do with-me/)
c What is sociology (https l/sociol oqv. gase. ed ulwhat-is-
:

sociology/#: - :text=Socioloov%20is%20the%20studv%20of. people

%20interact%2Owith in%2Othese%20contexts. )
O Defi ne education(h$ps://www. britannica. com/topic/education)

. Assimilation Sociology Plus Sociology Plus August 17,

2022(https :/lsociologv. pl us/g lossary/assimilation/)

. This item is part of a JSToR collection. For terms and use, pleqse
refer to our Terms and Conditions. lnternational Social Science
Review O 1987 Pi Gamma Mu, lnternational Honor Society in
SociaI Sciences. (httpS:1/:Umv.jstqf,q_rg1S"tab!el-4 1 8S 1 767)

. Table 15.1 Theory

S n a ps h ot( http s J& pe n . i b. u n: n eg u /s o ci ol oS vlql"r aptqrl
i _ 1S :&
socioloq l-perspective s-mr:-the-familvl)

o Families and Social

I nte ra ct i o n ( hltp p .d-o p e-n, J i h .u m n .p {u1 E q p i q! p g ylsh e pt e # j $ : z :
-the-fami

o Power and Deviance.Pat Lauderdale, RandallAmster, in

Encyclopedia of Violence, Peace, & Conflict (Second Edition),
2008.Hegemony and lnterest.
(https ://www.sciencedirect.com/topicsisocial -sci ences/heoemony)