Social Institution: Education

By Aung Paing

History of the institution.

The education institution dated way back in ancient time.

At the beginning, people educate themselves when there was no school

system.

The first form of recording; writing, came about in 3100 BC.

Formal education came about in 18th and 19th centuries.

How do member of society perceive

your institution?

Education is important nowadays.

During 18th 19th centuries, education spread widely. However, not everyone
can afford education, and many lack educations.

Today, in 21st century, education is everything. Education is a ticket to better

lifestyle.

Today, society see education as the most important institution. The education
institution can affect the other institutions.

Many people who lacks any form of education are looked down upon by those
who have higher education.

How do members of the institution perceive itself (its

own institution)?

Members of education institution view themselves as intelligent, welleducated individuals.

Education offer individuals more privileges/opportunities.

How has the institution changed over time?

Back in the day, education was only for those who are born into high social
standing, such nobles, and riches. The poor are to work with no education.

Over time, the education has changed, and it has now became available for
everyone.

Education also changed in a way that, it is easier now for students to learn.
With new technologies, the education system is nothing like ever before.

What has caused the institution to change? What are

the features that has remain unchanged in the
institution?

Many reason why the education system is being reformed.

First, with new technologies, new teaching system must be established.

Education has become a business. Private corporations are paid to create

standardized tests. The standardized tests are hurting students and many
parents oppose it.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 enable states to set their own standards,
causing different standards in every states.

One thing that has remain the same is the right to access public education.

As a way to better accommodate members of society, how

would you improve your institution?

Providing more funding to the schools will greatly improve the education
institution. Some school districts lack funding, ultimately affecting the
performance of schools.

Technology involvement in education has changed the schools, and should

continue to do so.

Raising the pay for teachers will also improve education institution. A job as a
teacher is not very appealing due to its low pay and long hours of work.

As a way to better accommodate members of society, how

would you improve your institution? (Continue).

Photograph from Article: Adams, Susan. Sixth Sector Report

Double-digit Growth. 19 November 2014. Forbes. 02 July 2015.

Who are the major participants in the institution? What

are their roles and statuses?

Many participate in the education institution.

Every children from five years of age to 18 years of age participate in public
education provided by states, from Kindergarten to 12th grade in High School.

After graduating from high school, individuals go on to do different things,

some attend universities to obtain high education. Some go off to trade
school. Some join the work force right after high school.

The participants in this institution have roles. The roles are students,
teachers, counselors, principals.

The students are the lowest status because they have to follow instructions
given by teachers, counselors and principal.

Does your institution workbetterfor some

members of society (as opposed to others)?

The education institution work better for every members of society.

Having education give individuals high social status.

Higher education means more opportunities, and career

advancement/promotion.

Another benefit of having academic degree is more money.

Many people in society regard individuals with academic degree as intelligent,

and respect them.

Functionalist and Conflict theory of

education institution

Thefunctionalist theoryfocuses on the ways that universal education serves

the needs of society. The functionalist view the role of education is to teach
new generation and pass on knowledge so that new generation can use the
knowledge to do their job and contribute to the society.

Conflict theorist believe the purpose to education is separate and maintain

the social inequality and upholding the power of those who control the
society. Conflict theorist look at education as perpetuating the status quo by
pushing lower class into obedient workers.

Citations
Adams, Susan. The College Degrees with the Highest Starting Salaries. Retrieved from Forbes website: http://
www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2014/11/19/the-college-degrees-with-the-highest-starting-salaries-in-2015/
Big Ideas for Better Schools Ten Ways to Improve Educations. Retreived from edutopia website: http://
www.edutopia.org/big-ideas-better-schools
Gardea, Raul. Corporate Education Reform Wont Solve the Problems Caused by Poverty. Retrieved from truth-out
website: http://
www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/20678-corporate-education-reform-wont-solve-the-problems-caused-by-poverty