Back to: Sociological Foundations of Education B.ed Notes, M.A Notes, IGNOU Notes

What is educational sociology?

Educational sociology is a subfield of the discipline of sociology that studies issues related to society-education relations. Educational sociology is the discipline that studies education in sociological terms on the basis that it recognises education as a social fact, process, and institution having social functions and is determined by society. Educational sociology is a diverse and dynamic subfield that features theories and studies focusing on how education, as a social institution, is affected by other social institutions and influences the overall social structure, as well as on how different social forces influence school policies, practices, and outcomes. This is because educational sociology would involve focusing on educational as well as societal issues, while sociology of education emphasizes the sociological issues within the field of education, which are of interest to sociologists.

How can it be defined?

Educational sociology is defined as the field that applies sociology’s broad ideas and discoveries to the learning system. It is a field of sociology that offers the foundations for structuring education in such a way that social issues are addressed and social development is promoted. It is the introduction of sociological ideas and discoveries to the solution of educational difficulties.

Example:

It is the product of social interaction, such as classroom interaction, which encompasses:

Relationships between students
Relationships between students and teachers
as well as between teachers and administrators.

Definition by various sociologists:

Ottaway: “Educational Sociology starts with the assumption that education is an activity that goes on in society, and society in turn determines the nature of education.”
George Payne: ”Educational Sociology is the scientific study of the relationship between education and society.”

What are the main aims of educational sociology?

The following are the goals of educational sociology, as per Harington:

To gain an understanding of schooling and teacher activity in connection to society and social growth.
To investigate the impact of social factors on the institution.

To get an understanding of the influence of social factors on individuals.
To develop an educational curriculum that incorporates a thorough grasp of societal, economic, and cultural trends.
To obtain a better understanding of democratic beliefs.

To use empirical tools to achieve educational and sociological goals.

What is the scope of educational sociology?

Educational sociology is a broad branch that deals with the impacts of sociological processes on education and the impacts of schooling on social relationships.

The following are some of the most important research topics in educational sociology:

Relationships between professors and students.
A teacher’s role in society.
Issues, interests, and goals in society.

Small social units and their interrelationships
Relationships between the school and local societal structures.
Social life’s impact on people and schools

The development of democratic attitudes in the classroom.
Educational changes are required for individual and societal development.
Incentives for critical thinking and research.

Assessment of broadcast, television, and the press as social advancement mediums.
Determination of children’s growth teaching approaches.
Examination of all factors of social impediments and social progress.