Answer to Question #202700 in English for SAM

Question

4.1 Identify THREE principles of symbolic interactionism and discuss how you, as a teacher, would apply these principles in the classroom. (6)

4.2 Define the concept social placement within the school context. (4)

4.3 What is the hidden curriculum? Provide two examples of the hidden curriculum in the

classroom. (6)

4.4 Choose ONE of the three theories covered in Sociology of Education (functionalism,

conflict theory, symbolic interactionism), Discuss why your chosen theory provides the

best explanation of schools in South Africa. (4)

Answer 1

1. The symbolic interactionist perspective focuses on social interaction in the classroom, on school playgrounds, and at other school-related venues. Social interaction contributes to gender-role socialization, and teachers' expectations may affect their students' performance.
2. This social placement involves learning the rules and norms of the society as a whole. Education also provides one of the major methods used by people for upward social adaptation.
3. Hidden curriculum is a set of lessons "which are learned but not openly intended" to be taught in school such as the norms, values, and beliefs conveyed in both the classroom and social environment.
4. Functionalism posits that society is more than the sum of its parts. Functionalism is very impactful because it looks at every aspect of society, how it functions, and how that helps society function.