SOCI 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Thomas Theorem, Social Integration, Meritocracy
Document Summary
Stresses ways in which formal education supports the operation of a modern society. Teaching of cultural norms and societal ideals. We all build reality in our everyday interactions with others and expect behaviors dependent on labels. Thomas theorem situations people define as real become real in their consequences (cid:3247)self-fulfilling prophecies(cid:3248) prediction that causes itself to become true about people (through stereotypes) Limitation people do not make up such beliefs about superiority and inferiority however these beliefs are built into a society"s system of inequality. Challenges the structural functional idea by saying that schooling people receive is closely linked to their local communities and their social standing. Schooling is a way of controlling people: obedient and disciplined workforce (cid:3247)tracking(cid:3248) assigning students to different types of educational programs (ex. College prep classes, general ed, vocational and technical training, ap, etc) Young people who spend years in higher tracks, see themselves as bright and able.
