Does Education Really change society? theoretical reflections on a case study

Madan, Amman (2012) Does Education Really change society? theoretical reflections on a case study. In: Sociology of Education in India: Changing Contours and Emerging Concerns. Oxford University Press, pp. 136-154. ISBN 9780198082866

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Abstract

Sociologists and anthropologists always have a sense of unease over what education is doing to society. Does education really make any difference? Or is it only reproducing inequality? And how can one know the answer? This chapter highlights some of the ways in which recent social theory can help us grapple with these questions. This chapter evaluates the notion that education leads to the reproduction of inequality in society, culture, and economy, and examines the roles played by structure and agency. It argues that a literal interpretation of the reproduction thesis is misleading, and suggests that a more nuanced understanding—with a more differentiated conceptual treatment—is needed. This author identifies the ways by which social theory can help illuminate the role of education in inequality, and discusses the views of Margaret Archer and Anthony Giddens who integrated systemic theorizing with the play of individual agency. In conclusion, the author suggests that we need a vision that encapsulates a wider view of the concrete roles, groups, and processes in society. Only then may one begin to address the question of whether education is making any difference at all.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Madan, Amman
Editors:	Editors Email ORCID Nambissan, Geetha B. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Rao, Srinivasa UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
Document Language:	Language English
Uncontrolled Keywords:	education and improvement, reproducing inequality, educational theory, structure and agency, education and social roles, sociology of education, Margaret Archer, Anthony Giddens
Subjects:	Social sciences Social sciences > Sociology & anthropology Social sciences > Education
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > School of Education
Full Text Status:	None
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7075
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof%3Aoso%2F97801980828...

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