Title: Comprehensive Sociological Theory of Education
Stream: Educational Policy, Leadership, Management & Administration
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Christian Etzrodt, Osaka University, Japan
Abstract:
The aim is to present a comprehensive theory of education derived out of classical sociological theories. Educational systems are designed to create a specific society. The choice of the type of education system depends mainly on the perception of what the problem in the current society is. Four types of characteristic problems of modern societies can be distinguished: too much freedom (Durkheim; solution: control of the masses), not enough freedom in the economy (Marx; solution: motivating workers to conduct a revolution), not enough cultural freedom (Freud; solution: destruction of oppressive cultural rules), or not enough freedom in politics (Weber; solution: protection of the individual from the state and the development of autonomy). The perception of first social problem (Durkheim) leads to a traditional education (e.g. Dewey), where students are supposed to memorize the "correct" answers (this is a passive education style in the sense of students as receivers). The perception of the second or third social problems (Marx or Freud) has inspired the conception of transformative education (Freire, Mezirow, or postmodern approaches depending on how strong the influence of Marx is), which tries to open the eyes of students through disorientation dilemmas (this is an active education style in the sense of students as problem-solvers). Finally, liberal arts education is the typical answer to the perception of the fourth social problem (Weber). Here, students are first taught different solutions to a problem, before they are asked to choose for themselves the best one (this is a passive and active education).
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