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

Education and social change

Education’s importance as a catalyst or tool for social improvement and transformation is now generally acknowledged. When necessities are transformed, the present social structure or network of social institutions fails to fulfil those requirements, and new materials indicate better methods to meet those needs, social change may occur. Social changes do not happen by themselves or naturally.

According to MacIver, “social change takes place as a response to many types of changes that take place in the social and nonsocial environment.” Education can initiate social changes by bringing about a change in the outlook and attitude of a person. It can bring about a change in the pattern of social relationships and institutions and, thereby, may cause social change. “

There was a period when academic institutions and professors worked together to teach pupils a way of life. Education back then was more of a tool for social control than a tool for social reform. The transmission of a manner of living to pupils is not emphasized in academic subjects, colleges, or universities. Traditional schooling was designed for a society that was stable and steady with few quick changes. However, today’s educational goals are to convey factual information, such as research, technology, and other types of specialization. Religion and education are linked. Nowadays, however, it has turned secular. It is now a self-contained institution. Today, education is primarily responsible for laying the groundwork for the advancement of science and technology.

As a result, knowledge has wrought incredible transformations in every element of man’s existence.

Thus, Francis Brown remarks, “that education is a process which brings about changes in the behavior of society.” “It is a process which enables every individual to participate effectively in the activities of society and to make a positive contribution to the progress of society.”

According to Olive Banks (1968), “the precise relationship of the education system to social and economic change is extremely complex and it is almost impossible to draw conclusions that are not misleading.”

The notion that the education system is a part of society that is evolving further complicates the idea of education as a driver or a stumbling block to social development. As a result, the actual issue is the interdependence between academic institutions and other sectors of society. Furthermore, it is because of this interdependence that using the educational system to effect conscious or planned societal change is so challenging. The educational system cannot be understood without considering its social background.

The fact that the education curriculum isn’t a universal cure shouldn’t detract from the necessity of understanding academic institutions in the community. Simply said, the link between education and social transformation is extremely complicated, and no easy generalizations can be made about it.