Meaning and Scope of Educational Sociology b.ed notes

 

Meaning and Definition of Educational Sociology

As the name suggests, educational sociology is a branch of sociology. Therefore, to understand its meaning, it is necessary to understand the meaning of Sociology as well.

Meaning of Sociology

The word sociology is derived from the words socio and logy which mean society and science or science respectively.

" Sociology is the science of society." 

In other words, "Sociology is the science that studies all relations between individual and society and individual, social, cultural and national relations, their causes, mutual effects and their consequences."

Similarly , while presenting the definition of Sociology, Ginsberg wrote, "Sociology studies human interactions and interrelationships, their causes and results."

Meaning of Educational Sociology

 

In every society, whether it is of ancient form on new form, there are different types of processes, masses, institutions, committees, etc. which fulfill the different needs of the individual and the society; Some related to livelihood, some related to entertainment, some related to administration and some related to education. 

The science which studies the processes, groups, institutions and societies that meet the needs of education is called educational sociology.

According to Ottoway , educational sociology begins by adopting the view that "education is an activity in a society and its aims and methods depend on the nature of the time in which it operates."

In short, educational sociology is that branch of sociology which studies the entire educational process of society and determines the various parts of education so that a person can become a superior social being.

Definitions of Educational Sociology

(1) Ottaway - In short, educational sociology is the science that studies the relationship between education and society.

(2) Hansen - "Sociology of education describes the relationship between education and society.,

3) Rosek - "Educational Sociology is that aspect of sociology which solves the basic educational problems.,

 

Now, since the need for education is responsible for the progress of the individual and the society, therefore, educational sociology has to study all the ideals, rules, problems, means, conditions and their effects on the personality of the society to achieve the objectives of education for the progress of the society. The nature of curriculum, education system, books, discipline, schools, teachers, etc. has to be decided.

Hiller has written while defining Sociology "Sociology is the study of mutual relations of individuals, their behavior towards each other and the parameters controlling these behaviors."

Aims of Educational Sociology

According to Harrington

Harrington sir has mentioned the objectives of educational sociology which we can present in the following way

(1) Understanding of democratic principles 

(2) Socializing the curriculum.

(3) To understand the functions of the teacher in the context of the society.

(4) To study social factors and understand their effects on the child.

(5) To study the factors affecting the school.

(6) Understanding social, economic and cultural trends and giving them proper place in the curriculum.

(7) To understand the functions of the school as a means of social progress.

(8) To use the methods of research for the progress of these objectives

 

According to Burton Clark

Burton Clarke has briefly set out the objectives of educational sociology as follows

(1) how education affects society; Understanding this fact.

(2) what function does education perform for the society; To shed light on this fact.

(3) To study the social conditions affecting the school.

According to brown

Brown has given only one objective of educational sociology. According to you, the main objective of educational sociology is to study the beliefs of small subgroups of schools and colleges. Do you think these subgroups affect education outcomes?

Need of the Study of Educational Sociology

Education and sociology are widely studied in educational sociology. The following types of knowledge are obtained by studying this subject

(1) Education is a lifelong social process. In educational sociology, all the groups of human beings and the effects of these groups on the education of the child are studied. All the means of education get information about their respective duties. As a result, the child continues to get support for his education.

(2) The nature of education process is explained in educational sociology. By its study, teachers and students get a clear explanation of its nature for study.

 

(3) In educational sociology, the form of society and its various problems are introduced. To solve these problems, the objectives of education are formed. In this way the study of this subject develops insight.

(4) In educational sociology, the causes and consequences of social actions are analysed, on the basis of this knowledge, help can be obtained in determining the curriculum of education.

(5) The influence of psychology is visible on the teaching methods of education. But the creation of principles of teaching methods is not possible without the study of sociology. Without understanding that man is a social animal, proper principles of teaching methods cannot be created.

(6) What should be the role of teacher and student in the education process, it is analyzed under educational sociology.

(7) Many concepts of the discipline of education nave been presented. Its social concept is explained in educational sociology. The reader gets the knowledge from the study of educational sociology that discipline is a social feeling. This feeling cannot flourish without participating in social institutions.

Scope of Educational Sociology 

 

Some scholars have presented their views regarding educational sociology in this way

(1) Brown-"Educational sociology applies the principles of sociology to the entire process of education."

(2) Rosek - "All social processes come in the field of educational sociology."

It is clear from the above ideas that the scope of educational sociology is very wide. Some of the major subjects which are studied under this are the following

(1) The place of the teacher in the society.

(2) Mutual relationship between teacher and earner.

(3) Needs, problems, motivations of the society.

(4) Small units of the society and their mutual relations.

(5) Effect of social life on individual and school

(6) Liaison in local social organizations and schools.

(7) Promotion of democratic spirit through quality education in schools.

(8) Desired changes in curriculum for the progress of individual and society

(9) To encourage inquiry and critical thinking.

(10) Evaluation of press, radio, cinema, television etc. in social process.

(11) To determine the method of education

(12) To search for means of social progress and social control.

 

Brubacker has divided the field of educational sociology into four parts.

(1) Relationship of the education system with other parts of the society.

(2) Inter-human relations in the school.

3) Social psychology of teaching process or its effect on behavior and personality of students and teachers.

(4) Schools in communities.