Schools and Societies

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the sociology of education and the organization of schooling as outlined in the lecture notes.

Education

Learning about the particular ways of a group, occurring throughout life in various informal settings.

Schooling

The organized form of education that takes place in schools, distinct from informal education.

Sociology of schooling

The academic discipline concerned with understanding what schools are like, why they are the way they are, and the consequences of schooling.

Philosophy of education

The academic discipline focused on how education should be organized and the ends it should serve.

Human capital

The productive skills and experience of individuals that contribute to economic value.

Curriculum

The courses and content offered by a school or educational institution.

Socialization

The process through which individuals learn and adapt the norms, values, and behaviors necessary for functioning in society.

Educational expenditure

The amount of money that governments and societies allocate to educational institutions, often expressed as a percentage of GDP.

Compulsory education

The legal requirement for children to attend school for a certain number of years.

Teacher expectations

The beliefs that teachers hold about the potential of their students, which can significantly affect student performance.

Micro-interactional analysis

The examination of social interactions at the individual or group level within educational settings.

Meso-institutional analysis

The study of schools as social institutions at a specific point in time, focusing on their organization and influence.

Macro-historical analysis

The examination of the historical development and roles of educational systems within broader social contexts.

Cultural transmission

The process through which cultural knowledge and values are passed from one generation to the next, particularly in educational settings.

Status hierarchy

A ranking or classification that influences individuals' roles and positions within social structures, including schools.

Educational reform

Efforts and policies aimed at improving the educational system, often through changes in curriculum, teaching methods, or funding.

Standardized testing

A method of assessing students' performance through uniform tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner.