Answer to Question #304679 in Psychology for Sam

Question

Discuss the role of the school as a social institution and argue the very different views held by the functionalists and conflict theorists in this regard.  (50)

Answer 1

Answer

Socialization is the process by which an individual learns the behaviors, the values and the expectations of others that enable them to take on particular roles in the society. Hence school is a social institution that conserves and transmits culture to the younger generation. According to functionalists theorists the school trains and socializes the individual and thus serves societal needs, and moulds children into well balanced citizens who are physically strong, mentally alert, emotionally stable, culturally sound and socially efficient. 

Furthermore, the conflict theorists asserts the role of a school as a social institution since it enables children to acquire knowledge, skills, and depositions that make them able members of society.