"It is mostly concerned with the public schooling systems of modern industrial societies, including the expansion of higher, further, adult, and continuing education."
It studies the social context of education, including school structures, practices, policies, and outcomes.
Socialization: The process by which individuals learn the norms, values, behaviors, and skills necessary to function in society, including in educational settings.
Social stratification: The division of society into different social classes or groups based on factors such as income, occupation, and education level, and how this impacts educational opportunities and outcomes.
Cultural capital: The social assets (such as values, beliefs, and attitudes) that an individual possesses, which can affect their educational and career success.
Equality of educational opportunity: The idea that all individuals should have equal access to education regardless of their socio-economic background or other factors that may impact their opportunities.
Tracking and ability grouping: The practice of separating students into different classes or groups based on perceived ability, which can perpetuate inequality in education and limit opportunities for certain students.
Education and socialization: The ways in which schools transmit cultural values, norms, and beliefs to students, shaping their understanding of the world and their place in it.
Teacher-student interaction: The interactions and relationships between teachers and students, and how these can impact educational outcomes and opportunities.
Societal and cultural factors: The ways in which societal and cultural factors (such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status) can impact educational experiences and outcomes.
Globalization and education: The ways in which globalization has impacted education, including issues of standardization, competition, and the spread of Western educational models.
Education policy: The development and implementation of policies related to education, which can impact access, curriculum, funding, and other aspects of the educational system.
"Education is seen as a fundamentally optimistic human endeavor characterized by aspirations for progress and betterment."
"It is understood by many to be a means of overcoming handicaps, achieving greater equality, and acquiring wealth and social status."
"It is perceived as a place where children can develop according to their unique needs and potential."
"Not only can children develop, but young and older adults too."
"Social interactions between people through education is always causing further development no matter what age they are."
"It is also perceived as one of the best means of achieving greater social equality."
"Many would say that the purpose of education should be to develop every individual to their full potential and give them a chance to achieve as much in life as their natural abilities allow (meritocracy)."
"Few would argue that any education system accomplishes this goal perfectly."
"Some take a particularly critical view, arguing that the education system is designed with the intention of causing the social reproduction of inequality."
"...including the expansion of higher, further, adult, and continuing education."
"It [education] is seen as a fundamentally optimistic human endeavor characterized by aspirations for progress and betterment."
"...overcoming handicaps, achieving greater equality, and acquiring wealth and social status."
"Not only can children develop, but young and older adults too."
"Social interactions between people through education is always causing further development no matter what age they are."
"It is perceived as a place where children can develop according to their unique needs and potential."
"It is also perceived as one of the best means of achieving greater social equality."
"Few would argue that any education system accomplishes this goal perfectly."
"Develop every individual to their full potential and give them a chance to achieve as much in life as their natural abilities allow (meritocracy)."
"Some take a particularly critical view, arguing that the education system is designed with the intention of causing the social reproduction of inequality."