In this post we will be looking at the meaning of Education as a Social Institution, reasons why it’s a Social Institute, its major functions, roles and Importance.
INTRODUCTION
In our society, having some kind of education is an important aspect of many people. Education is generally interesting because the school system is a social agency that was created to enhance the processes of socialization through education. Students not only learn from the academic curriculum, but they also benefit from socializing with their teachers and peers. This social institution offers a useful analysis to their identity because education help shape their mindset on life experiences and thoughts which is acceptable in the society.
Modern society finds it important that people think independently, decide autonomously and take personal initiatives, the concept of individualism has acquired a positive connotation.
Social institutions are a key element to the structure of societies. They consist of people who came together for a common purpose, and are part of the social order of society. They set an example of what the behavior and expectations are for individuals in society.
Having these institutions help decrease chaos and increase structure. Each institution involves different things, but is important part of our daily life. Education is a major social institution that impacts the lives of many.
WHAT IS EDUCATION AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION?
Education as a social institution is a set of patterns, norms, roles meant to provide an environment of learning skills and cultural values to live a prosperous life.
Education is a social institution through which a society’s children are taught basic academic knowledge, learning skills, and cultural norms. It is the social institution through which society provides its members with knowledge, including basic facts, job skills, and cultural norms and values.
REASONS WHY EDUCATION ITS A SOCIAL INSTITUTE.
Education can be acquired in a school which is an educational institution designed to provide learning spaces and learning environments for the teaching of students under the direction of teachers. As an educational organization, the school provides the students to gain knowledge, ability and attitude in accordance with the aims and principles of the educational system. The school is a social organization on its own as well as it can be handled within the context of the relations and its place within the society. The following can be tagged as reasons education is seen as a social institute:
- Children learn punctuality
- Time management
- Respect the authority of their teacher/elders which prepares them to respect their boss
- Teaches a child to be a good Citizen
- Teaches a child how to operate a house hold
- It provides a formal structure and an opportunity for a transfer of cultural knowledge
- Teaches human right and how students can exercise these rights.
- Encourages technological advancement, innovations and discovery
- Creates formal space for learning subject base, new idea and experiences.
- Molds behaviour, impart knowledge and enhance skills.
- Encourages and enhances association with peers, groups, etc
What are the functions of education as a social institution?
- Socialization
Socialization is one of the functions of education as a social institution. It provides a conscious instruction program aimed at inculcation of values and skills needed to live a prosperous life. Similarly, education forms and develops the personality of individuals and society as a whole by developing physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities and habits.
- Regulation of behavior of citizens
Education plays an important part in cultivating behavior which is conforming to the collective norms and values of society. Through education, people transmit a way of life and values to the new generation.
- Broader integration
Education integrates people into a broader society by providing opportunities for extra-curricular’ activities and the informal relationship among students and teachers.
- Social and economic mobility
The educational system is expected to provide opportunities for social and economic mobility by selecting and training the ablest and industrious youth for a higher-status position in society.
- Social development
Education ensures social development by increasing the basic competencies of an individual and nation as a whole. It acts as the most important tool used for social progress as it helps improve living conditions through knowledge creation and research.
Education serves four important purposes thereby stimulating meaningful social development. These important purposes of education are as follows:
- Humanistic Purpose: Education focuses on the development of virtues to their full extent both at the personal and collective levels.
- Civic Purpose: Development and promotion of civic sense are one of the important functions of education as a social institution. This helps enhance public life and provides opportunities for young people to participate in the progress of society.
- Economic purpose: Social equips individuals with intellectual, emotional, and physical skills. These skills make them productive and instrumental in the enhancement of society’s living conditions. It is education that also inculcates values of social equity and justice to do away with the economic miseries in society.
ROLE OF EDUCATION AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTE
Since education is a powerful instrument of social change and human progress, it is also a powerful tool to cultivate values in an individual. Therefore, all the educational institutes have greater responsibility to impart learning and cultivation of values through education. The role of Education as a Social Institute are:
- Cultural Transmission
- Social control
- Cultural Innovation
- Social Integration
- Patriotism
- Social Placement
- Future Occupation
- Custodial Care
- encourages Innovation and Creativity
- Helps in Creation of a better society
IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION.
Education, one of the most important social institutions, affects aspects of culture, from economic development to consumer behavior. The literacy rate of a country is a potent force in economic development. Education plays an important aspect and a huge role in the modern, industrialized world. People need a good education to be able to survive in this competitive world. Modern society is based on people who have high living standards and knowledge which allows them to implement better solutions to their problems. The features are as follow:
- Removing Poverty
- Safety and Security against Crime
- Prevention of Wars and Terrorism
- Commerce and Trade
- Law and Order
- Women Empowerment
- Upliftment of economically weaker sections of society
- Communications