Question

Based on what you know about symbolic interactionism and feminist theory, what do you think proponents of those theories see as the role of the school? What are some ways that a conflict theorist would say that educational institutions perpetuate class differences?

Answer 1

Symbolic Interactionism see's school from a social interaction perspective . It examines the interaction that takes place in the classrooms, in the playgrounds and in other school premises. This perspective helps us to understand how gender roles are reinforced in the school premises .For example in the playgrounds girls tend to play games which are more cooperative in nature and boys indulge in more competitive sports. It also sees the teacher - student interaction as and how it can affect the performance of the children. For example teachers focusing on the bright students and neglecting the weak students affect the future performance of these students .In very simple words it anales the interactions that take place in the education system.

                           The feminist perspective analyze the deep rooted gender based inequaidty in the schools and how women are disriminatied on the different leves of the education system . It also looks at what are the societal repercussions of this .Schools provide unequal treatment and opportunities for women like the other institutions . It focuses on generating equality in education to women so that they can get equal treatment around every sphere .

    The conflict perspective on school offices how schools leads to inequality This can be understood by an example . Suppose bright students are placed in faser tracks and weak students who are not performing well are placed in lower tracks THis automatically creates inequality in the system and it also hampers the future growth of the students . The students in faster tracks are provided with every skill development technique where students in lower tracks like this kind of skill development . THis also reduces the chance for slower track students to have equal opportunity in employment . It also says that inequality of school in relation to the resources and quality of education they provide . Similarly it focuses on the hidden curriculum that is present in the schools .