unit 9 education and work Flashcards
Education
Education - offered as a measure to alleviate social problems
Highly emotional and political topics
Inequality is linked to employment, and employment is linked to education
Education is linked to family socio-economic status
Socio-economic status best predictor of success
Education in Canada
- Provincial responsibility (Constitution Act, 1867)
Free public education K-12
Denominational, English or French
Canada has the highest percentage of population with postsecondary education (USA – more degrees)
PSEd. expensive $
Sociological Theories of Education
Structural-Functionalist Perspective Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Critical Theories of Education Feminist Perspectives
Structural-Functionalist Perspective
-Instruction for future roles Skills and knowledge -Socialization Respect for authority, norms values and traditions of the dominant culture -Sorting of individuals into various statuses Credentials -Provision of custodial care Free supervision and child care
Conflict Perspective
-Solidifies the class positions
-Allows the elite to control the masses
-Indoctrination into capitalist ideology
-Cultural imperialism
Indoctrination into the dominant culture
-Cultural capital not equally valued
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
- Examines education from a micro perspective
- Concerned with individual and small group issues such as teacher-student interactions
- The self-filling prophecy occurs when people act in a manner consistent with the expectations of others
Critical Theories of Education
-Louis Althuser (1919-1990) Education serves state-sponsored views or ideologies -Two main goals of education Learn what is required as workers Observation of the rules of the culture
Feminist Perspectives
-Goal
to provide the benefits of information, of increased educational attainment, and of access
-Critical assessment of educational traditions
Social Class and Family Background
-Children in middle and upper socioeconomic brackets are more likely: To perform better in school To complete more years of education To enroll in advanced math courses Complete high school
Social Class and Family Background
- Young people from high income families:
- 5 times more likely to enrol postsecondary education
- 5 times more likely to attend university
Lower Socioeconomic Backgrounds
-Children:
Less ready for school
More likely to have poor health, hyperactivity, and delayed vocabulary
Have mothers with low levels of education
How can we account for the differences?
- Disposable income:
Less money to buy books, computers, hire tutors
-Expectations
Less likely to expect their children to go to college or university
-Intellectual capital
Parents have limited language and academic skills
Problems in Canadian Education
- Low levels of academic achievement
- School dropouts
- Student violence
- High costs
- Inadequate facilities
High Costs of Postsecondary Education
- Tuition fees
- Student debt
- Full-time faculty
- Student-faculty ratios
- Deregulated fee programs
Technology
- Computers in school and home
- Allow students to progress at their own pace
- Software for different abilities
- Distance learning
Does education pay?
A comparison of earnings by level of education in Canada and its provinces and territories- Census 2016
Capitalism
Economic system Investment Production Profit Competitive market Self interest – profit Supply and demand Laissez-faire
Nature of Work
Primary Work Sector: Production of raw materials Secondary Work Sector: Manufacturing Tertiary Work Sector: Service
Sociological Theories of Work and the Economy
Structural-Functionalist Perspective Conflict Perspective Symbolic Interactionist Perspective Feminist Perspectives Queer Theory Perspectives
Structural-Functionalist Perspective
-Economy Important social institution Provides necessities Contributes to social stability Surplus material and wealth can be allocated to other social uses
Structural-Functionalism
- Industrial Society Division of labour ANOMIE Normlessness Weak or unclear norms and values Result from rapid social change Linked to social problems
Conflict Perspective
Karl Marx
Capitalism benefits the Ruling Class
Working masses are exploited and oppressed
Ruling class controls the economy, and other aspects of society
Some Examples of Policies and Organizations
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
World Bank
World Trade Organization (WTO)
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
North American free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
USMCA (2018)
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Work role: Central part of a person’s identity Meaning and self worth Master status for many Attitudes and behaviours are influenced by interaction with others in the work
Feminist Perspectives
Public and private sphere Constraints of gender-role divisions Raises issues regarding discrimination Policy initiatives Equal pay for equal work Family-work balance Child-labour concerns
Queer Theory Perspectives
GLBT persons have to maintain constant awareness - discrimination management
Is it safe to come ‘out’
Problems of Work and Unemployment
Child Labour Health and safety hazards Workplace illnesses and injuries Dissatisfaction and alienation Work and Family Concerns Unemployment and underemployment
Satisfaction
Income Prestige Sense of accomplishment Autonomy Challenge Opportunity to be creative Congenial co-workers Feeling of making a contribution Fair rewards Promotion opportunities Job security
Job Dissatisfaction
Alienation Powerlessness Lack of control Meaninglessness Lack of fulfillment Normlessness Unclear or conflicting norms Self-estrangement Inability to realize full potential in work roles Lack of connection to others
Work-Family Concerns
Dual-earner family - “new norm” in Canada
Work-life balance
Affordable, quality child care
Social programs to support families
Types and Causes of Unemployment
Discriminatory unemployment Structural unemployment Corporate downsizing Job exportation Automation
Effects of Unemployment and Underemployment
Personal consequences
anxiety, depression, alcohol abuse, and lowered self-esteem and confidence
Family and community consequences
linked to increased family violence
Health consequences
loss of supplemental health care benefits
Economic consequences
decline in an individual’s standard of living
Canada: Split Labour Market
Primary labour market Stable Economically rewarding Benefits Usually occupied by the most educated and trained individuals Secondary labour market low pay no security few benefits little chance for advancement
Summary
Labour market has changed
Education is seen as a necessity for work
High cost and high stakes
