Concept of Sociology, Educational Sociology, and Sociology of Education
Concept of sociology:
Simply, sociology is the study of the social relations and structure of society. It is the study of various social relations, interactions and social phenomena that occur within a society. Broadly, sociology is the scientific study of society, including patterns of social relationships, social interaction, and culture. The term sociology was first coined by the famous French philosopher Auguste Comte in his book "Course de Philosophical Positive", so, he is considered the father of sociology.
Concept of Educational Sociology:
Educational sociology is a branch of sociology, which studies the relationship between education and society. It is an interdisciplinary subject evolved by the blending of two disciplines, i.e. education and society. It is a newer discipline that has started only a few years back. George Payne, who is credited with giving birth to the subject, is called the Father of Educational Sociology.
Educational sociology is the application of sociological principles and methods to the solution of problems in an educational system. According to Payne “Educational sociology is that science which describes and explains the social institutions, social groups and social processes in relation to education."
Concept of sociology of education: The use of sociology of education was more prevalent before the First World War. According to Tylor, the sociology of education places more emphasis on social problems. It studies the social processes and conditions found in the education system. Sociology of education may be defined as the scientific analysis of the social processes and social patterns involved in the educational system.
Every society has its own changing sociocultural needs and requires an education to meet these needs. Today's needs are conservation of resources, environmental protection, global citizenship etc. Therefore education caters towards meeting of these different needs. Since the needs of the society change education also changes. Hence there is need for studying sociology of education.
Difference between educational sociology and sociology of education
4.2 Relationship between Sociology and Education
The relation between sociology and education has always been a subject of debate. Education and sociology are mutually interrelated and interdependent disciplines. They are so closely intertwined and interconnected that their subject matter and method of study are often overlapped to a great extend. The following are the arguments to highlight the relationship between education and sociology:
Sociology is the science of society and education in an implicit aspect of any social system.
Sociology studies the structure and functions of social systems, while education is one of the important functions of any social system.
The prime concern of sociology is socialized individuals while education is the process of socializing individuals.
Education is the means for achieving the goals of sociology.
Education is the laboratory and workshop of sociology.
Sociology develops methods and techniques to be utilized by educational system to attain its goals.
Sociology contributes greatly to the planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of educational process.
Sociology attempts to ascertain the functions performed by the educational system while education adopts the principles of sociology to improve its functioning.
In the modern society, sociology generates the data base which is consumed by educational system to realize the goal of social life.
Sociology develops laws and principles which are adopted by the educational system for its improvement.
The ever cherishing social values are those attained through education.
Sociology provides the principles and education practices them.
Sociology put forth the ideals and values which education is to achieve.
Education preserves the social and cultural heritage which is owned by sociology.
Education brings about reforms and changes in the field of sociology.
Socialization as a base
Meaning of Socialization
In the general sense, socialization is about learning what society teaches and behaving according to what society wants. Socialization is to adopt the values, beliefs, principles and ideals accepted by the society and to play a responsible role accordingly. In other words, socialization is the process of adaptation of the individual into the society.
Socialization is a learning process. Under this, a person learns something from individuals, society and community and institutions in his life journey from birth to death. A child is not born a social human being. He can become a social creature as he keeps in touch with the social and cultural process of the society concerned. When a child is born, there is little difference between the child of another creature and the child of a human being. But due to human intellect, conscience, learning ability, language, culture, etc., a person can be involved in the process of socialization. In this process, people become socialized through family, school, community and society, peers, various associations, organizations, cultural values, beliefs, traditions, etc.
Socialization is reflected through the relationship between the individual and society. Man is not born socialized. He becomes socialized through life process and activities. He understands and follows the social values, rules and regulations adapting to the social environment. Society teaches and make people to understand. People learn and understand from the society. Therefore, the two-way process of teaching or explaining, learning and understanding is socialization. So, socialization is a process by which a person learns the behavior, values and ideas of the society in which he lives and can establish himself as a social member.
The views expressed by various sociologists on socialization are as follows:
“Socialization is the process by which an individual learns the behavior, and the values, and the acceptance of others that enable him to take on particular roles in society.” -Allan Edward and Samuel Louis
“Socialization refers to the process by which persons acquire the knowledge, skills and dispositions that make them able members of their society.” - Orville G. and Stanton Wheeler
“Socialization denotes the entire process, deliberately planned or not, by which an individual becomes an accepted member of his group.” - Gibson
“Socialization is a process by which an individual is adopted to his social environment and becomes a recognized, co-operating and efficient member of it.” -Drever
“Socialization is a process as a result of which children take on themselves various social roles, social learnings and developmental tasks.” - Cook
“Socialization is a process by which the child acquires a cultural content along with self-hood and personality.” - Green
Examining all of the above definitions, we can conclude that socialization is the process by which one adapts the existing values, beliefs and practices in one's society through acculturation. It is the process of fully internalizing the thoughts, feelings, and activities of a society or organization and gaining recognition.
Importance of socialization
Socialization contributes both to the development of society as well as the development of individual. In short, the importance of socialization can be presented as below:
It teaches fundamental abilities needed for an individual in society.
It makes a person realize his social duty.
It helps to acquire the knowledge and skills required for daily conduct
It is through this process a person develops personality.
Develops a sense of coexistence in the members
Contributes in social adjustment and integration.
Makes a person disciplined and polite.
Individual social, national and international relations and cooperation increase etc.
Elements of socialization
The following elements are important contributors to the socialization of human beings:
Language: Language is the medium of expression or exchange of ideas. As language is the most effective medium of comprehension, it is considered as a major element of socialization. Communication with others is not possible without knowledge of language and without communication there can be no transfer or exchange of social values, beliefs and beliefs and culture. Therefore, communication is necessary in the process of internalization and socialization and language is needed for proper communication.
Love and Affection: The second important element needed for socialization is love and affection. In an environment where love, affection, harmony exist, one gets a chance to know and understand each other clearly, while in a society where hatred, jealousy and enmity towards each other exist, there is no interaction and socialization is not possible. Psychologist Harry Harlow states that children who grow up in a loving environment have better mental abilities. Such children can be easily socialized through internalization.
Human or social interaction: Social interaction is a two-way process in which two persons or groups come in contact with each other and influence each other while exchanging their ideas and beliefs. As human beings are social beings, they need each other's help and support for living. This need develops a person's tendency to help and communicate with others. These interactions make a person aware of his rights and duties as well as what he is allowed to do in society and what he is forbidden to do. It is through this interactions a person establishes and maintains relations and develops the necessary social qualities.
4.3.4 Modes of socialization
The modes of socialization means the way how a child is socialized. It is related to the ways adopted by social agencies to socialize a child. Sociologists Broom and Selznick describe the following two modes/types of socialization:
Repressive mode of socialization
Permissive mode of socialization or participatory mode of socialization.
Repressive mode of socialization
The method of socialization in which children should follow/obey the command, order or decision of the seniors (teacher, society or parents) without any question is called repressive mode of socialization. It doesn’t take into account the interests, needs and independence of the child. In this, through fear, intimidation, pressure, threats and beatings, the child is forced to behave in accordance with social values and beliefs. It has a negative impact on personality and leadership development of a child. It does not give the child the opportunity to express his views and punishes the child for making a mistake, but does not reward the good deed. The use of punishments, orders, decrees, etc., creates an atmosphere of fear, terror and coercion. There is one-sided communication. It is adult-centric as it seeks to change the child's behavior according to the wishes of the parents.
Being teacher or adult centred, one-way communication, autocratic, punitive, contempt for independent existence, importance of group, family and society over individual, order oriented, leader oriented, strict discipline, traditionalist views, etc. are considered to be the main features of repressive socialization. It makes the child more confirmist rather than a creative child.
Permissive mode of socialization or participatory mode of socialization
It is the child centred mode of socialization which is based on the child's acceptance and participation. It respects the child's desires, interests, needs and freedom. It is also called participatory socialization. In this, the child gets the opportunity to create new things and develop leadership by using his/her experience and skills by understanding his level, existence and importance. As there is a value of individual difference in socialization process, it develops a heterogeneous society. The child does not always have to obey the seniors. S/he is free. The child and the adult discuss what they do not understand and the child has the opportunity to put their point of view in front of the adult. It can further be divided into laissez-faire ( total freedom) and democratic mode.
Permissive socialization is characterized by child-centeredness, participatory role, self-awareness, positive parental behavior, rewarding, interactive, more importance to the person, two-way communication, symbolic punishment, and so on.
Difference between repressive and permissive mode of socialization
Agencies of socialization
The body that directly and indirectly helps to make a person social is called the agencies of socialization. Such agencies can be classified into two parts:
Active agencies: Active agencies are bodies that directly assist individuals in socialization by providing education through two-way interaction. This includes: family, school, community, peer groups etc.
Passive agencies: This includes bodies that contribute to socialization through one-way interaction such as media, press, sports club etc.
However, here we will study those agencies as follows:
Home/ family: Home / Family is an informally active social unit providing education to children. It is also called the first school of the child as the child acquires the important educational bases of life from the family. Family is the cornerstone of a child's all-round development. The child learns language, customs, manners, respect for others, affection, discipline, social traditions, etc. from the family. In this context, the scholar Pestalozzi says that " home is the best place of education and the first school of the child.
As an active social agency providing education, the family has the following roles:
Providing upbringing, protection, education, and entertainment to children,
To develop the overall personality,
Develop social qualities (kindness, love, respect, honor, support, sacrifice, tolerance, ideals, ideas, discipline), etc.
To provide various vital knowledge and skills to become financially self-sufficient
To transfer family manners, culture and civilization,
To make the child able to bear family and social responsibilities etc.
Peer group:
A group of children of the same age and the same social status is called a peer group. Such peer groups are formed at every age. However, the group of teenagers (13-19 years) also called gang is more important. Such groups are formed with the intention of fulfilling a common goal through the voluntary participation of children and there is no any discrimination among them regarding gender, caste, religion, caste etc. Children have so much faith in groups that they ignore who and where they are. They value the group of friends more than their parents, brothers and sisters.
Interaction with peers helps children develop social qualities such as perception of group, organized process, personal role, leadership, helpful spirit, good behavior etc. Children can also learn many things from the peer group that they have not been able to learn from various formal institutions. Common will, supportive spirit, collective purpose, non-discrimination, mutual relations and interaction are the basic characteristics of the peer group. But it is not always possible to learn good things from such peer interactions. Because bad company can lead to bad habits. Even though peer influence is considered a body of active socialization, the development of positive behavior should be monitored, directed, and controlled by the home-family, school, and society.
The role of peer group in socialization is as follows:
There is an opportunity to develop social qualities independently
Each member gets to exchange different cultures, traditions, dress, language, behaviors of the society
There is an opportunity to learn from peer many things that cannot be learned from formal organizations
Lessons of social adjustment can be learned from group interaction
Each can gain knowledge about social, economic, political, educational and other activities etc.
School: The school is the next active social organization providing formal education to children. It is the body fully responsible for the social, economic, physical, mental, emotional, ethical, intellectual and overall development of the children. The school provides necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes considering the social needs to enable the person to earn a living and also helps in socialization. Explaining the role of school in socialization, famous sociologist Ottaway says, “ the school maybe regarded as social invention to serve society for the specialised teaching of young ones.” In this context, UNESCO bulletin states,"the function of educational institution is to help men and women to live fuller and happier lives in adjustment with their changing environment to develop the best elements in their own culture and to achieve the social and economic progress which will enable them to take their place in the modern world and to live together in peace."
In fact, the school is a social center where students from different backgrounds come to secure their future. The children learn there custom, tradition, norms and values, good manners or etiquette, self reliance, tolerance, honesty, hard working through various modes of interaction and contacts such as classroom teaching, scouting, sports, speech, discussion, seminar or meetings, library, drama, competitions, functions, festivals, rewards and punishment etc. Besides, as an educational agency, the school protects social life, preserves and develops culture and civilization, does social reconstruction work, brings growth in social efficiency, assists all round development in child, develops his spirituality and leadership quality so that the social problems can be appropriately tackled.
The role of school in socialization can be presented as follows:
To make a person a conscious citizen by imparting various knowledge, skills and attitudes and to make them aware of their rights and duties
Helping a person to earn a living by imparting knowledge and skills that enhance vocational skills.
To preserve, promote and transfer the culture and to involve the individual in social development, change and control.
To develop social values, ethics and discipline in the individual
To help the individual in social adjustment and socialization by developing the skill of maintaining coordination between different organizations, family and community etc.
Community:
The word community is derived from the Latin Communis, a combination of the Latin prefix con- (which means "together") and the word munis (which means “performing service”). Thus, literally community means to serve together.
Community in the general sense refers to a group of human beings living together within a certain geographical area. From a sociological point of view, community refers to a group of people living within a geographical area, where adults and children, social and antisocial people all have their own way of life.
The community plays an important role in the socialization process. The influence of a community on an individual depends on the interpersonal relationship between them. It influences the behaviour of child to a large extent. According to sociologists Manheim and Steward, a person learns by interacting with objects, cultures, literature, arts, religious attitude, tradition, individuals and groups in the community in which he lives. The community instils in the child a sense of 'we'. So, the community is the most important educational tool for the socialization of individual.
The role of community in the socialization of the individual is as follows:
Teaches lessons of social values, beliefs, ethics and discipline
Provides knowledge of social customs, traditions and culture
Helps in social adjustment
Contributes to social change
Provides opportunities to participate in various social events
Opens schools, libraries, study centers, museums and organizes various sports competitions etc.
Association:
An association is a group of people who work together to accomplish a common goal. In other words, an association is a circle of people of different genders, castes, religions, castes, creeds and ideologies coming together under one roof to work creatively for the attainment of the same goals. It is made up of political, religious or cultural issues. Individuals voluntarily become members of such associations. It has a direct effect on a person's habits, conduct and behavior.
The main objective of these associations is to contribute to the development of the society. Such associations include the World Health Organization, the Red Cross Society, hospitals, libraries, clubs, youth associations, adult associations, women's associations, student organizations, and so on. They aim to protect professional rights as well as to provide constructive assistance in social and developmental activities. This requires good action and interaction between the members of the association and between the association and the society and community. Such associations are taken as active agencies of socialization as they help children develop social ideals, character, skills, feeling of unity, group work, cultural values and arts.
The role of the social associations as an active body providing education can be summarized as follows:
To awaken the spirit of social unity in the members
To increase participation and activism to achieve common goals
To develop the capacity to bear responsibility through the division of rights and duties
To prepare for social transformation through the development of organizational spirit
To develop a sense of 'we' and to unite to solve social problems
To increase self-reliance
To provide knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the society
To contribute to the development of society, culture and art etc.
Mass media
Mass media is a tool used to disseminate information to the general public. The mass media is helping to spread the message to the immense masses scattered in different places. It is a marginal agency for socialization. It includes all printed, audio-visual and electronic media which propagate some specific thoughts in society. Newspapers, magazines, books, radio, television, movies, computers etc. are some examples of mass-media which influence the ideology of an individual. They are helpful in creating public opinion.
Mass media is considered a passive body of socialization. Such inactive bodies also strive for socialization in the society such as exchanging ideas, communicating with individuals, raising awareness of social responsibility, making citizens aware of their rights and duties, inculcating a sense of reconciliation and assisting in various aspects of socialization.
The role of mass media in socialization can be illustrated by the following points:
Promotion of group dynamics
Improvement in personal attitudes and values.
Increase in literacy and public awareness
Promotion of concept of global village
Increase in access to education
Development of social sentiment etc.
Political, religious and economic groups
Political groups: Political organizations formulate and implement policies for the economic, social, political and other functions of any country or society. As the agency of socialization, this leads to the development of political thought, the pursuit of universal human values, the development of leadership roles, the contemplation of political issues in the national and international context, the development of a spirit of sacrifice and solidarity, and the development of group discipline.
Religious institutions or groups: Religious institution / organizations and groups work to promote religious activities, behavioral relationships, and faith in society. These organizations make important contributions in the areas of social control, social change, social behavior, interrelationships, socio-cultural development, spirituality, human trust, etc.
Economic Institutions or groups: Economic institution or group is related to the production, consumption and distribution of goods and services in the society. As the agency of socialisation, it contributes to the development of knowledge and skills in financial discipline, income and expenditure and accounting management, identification of productive activities and development of entrepreneurship, division of labor, mutual cooperation and development of goodwill.
Social Interaction
Concept of Social Interaction
Social interaction is a fundamental feature of social life and the backbone of socialization process. It is the process by which we act and react to those around us. In other words, it is the discussion, conversation and exchange of ideas between two or more people in any society. According to sociologist Brown, social interaction involves the exchange of stimulus and response between two individuals or groups. Hence it is a two-way process. Similarly, the eminent sociologist Ottaway explains social interaction as the mutual relationship between individuals, between individuals and groups, and between groups.
Here are some definitions of social interaction:
"Social interaction is the name given to any of the possible relations between persons in a group or between the groups themselves considered as social units. It is through social interaction the cultural patterns are passed on." -A.K.C. Ottaway
"Social interactions are the mutual influences that individuals and groups have on one another in their attempt to solve problems and in their striving towards goals." - Arnold Green
"Social interaction is defined as a social process when analyzed from the standpoint of inter-stimulations and responses of personalities and groups. It is a process not structure and is ever in the state of flux."
- Radcliff Brown
“Social interaction is the process which leads to the development of social relationship.” – Ogburn
In this way, the interaction between two or more individuals or groups, whether symbolic, non-symbolic, formal or informal, can be considered as social interaction. This is a social quality. Through this, a person becomes a good, educated and skilled citizen of the society. Social interaction is the medium of learning. It also leads to personal, social and national development. Therefore, social interaction is equally important for individuals, society and the nation.
4.4.2 Importance of social interaction
Social interaction is very important in human life. Socialization is not possible without it. It also plays an important role in helping a person to live a successful and capable social life by imparting different types of knowledge, skills and ideas.
The importance of social interaction in human life can be clarified from the following points:
It makes people social friendly and develops the capacity for social adjustment
It contributes significantly to the development of human personality
It transforms biological beings into fully human and social beings
It helps a person to realize his duty and social responsibility as well as to become disciplined and to meet his/ her needs.
It contributes to the preservation, promotion and development of social culture
It promotes personal, national and international relations, cooperation, contacts and coordination
It enhances national integration, international understanding and recognition.
It provides a real basis for teaching-learning activities etc.
4.4.3 Elements of social interaction
Social interaction is the process by which we act and react to those around us. It takes place between individuals, between individuals and groups, and between groups. Sociologists have mentioned the elements of social interaction as follows:
Human element/ organism: Society is the sum of human groups. At least two individuals or groups are required for social interaction. Therefore, the human element is considered a major element of social interaction. Through such interaction in the form of mutual meeting, discussion, cooperation, reflection, exchange of ideas, etc., the work of new creation and new construction is made and the society progresses.
Social element: Social elements include values, living conditions, manners, culture, and so on. According to the culture of each person, s/he maintains contact and relationship with each other. The social element is considered to be a crucial element of social interaction as it is not possible to maintain contact and relationship without knowing one's manners, colloquial, culture and behavior.
Communicative elements: Social interaction is impossible without communication. Experience, knowledge, information and skills must be exchanged for interaction. Without the knowledge of what to say, how to greet, how to behave, and how to present our ideas, social interaction is impossible. In order to interact properly, one must be able to develop and exchange ideas, experience, feelings, facts and information through effective it is the most basic type of social interaction.
Psychological elements: In order to have social interaction, human beings need to have qualities like generosity, cheerfulness, fearlessness, openness and sincerity. Support, harmony and sympathetic behavior and thinking towards each other have a positive effect on social interaction while anger, hatred, prejudice, dissatisfaction and intolerant behavior and temperament have a negative effect on social interaction. Social interaction requires not only integration, assimilation and cooperation, but also opposition, competition and conflict.
4.4.4 Process or Patterns of Social Interaction
The pattern of social interaction is to say how and in what form the social interaction takes place. It helps to conceptualize the crossroads between social structures, interpersonal actions, and psychological well-being. There are several patterns of interaction that could be used to promote mutual relationship among people and to be compatible to society and fulfil the goals and needs.
The pattern of social interaction has been classified by different sociologists in different ways. Sociologist Burger divides it into four parts: competition, conflict, accommodation and assimilation. But here we will study the classification of Morton and McIver:
Associative process
Disassociative process
Associative process: Since the two sides get closer during the interaction, it is called the associative process. This includes the following:
Cooperation: The English word cooperation literally means working jointly or together. When two or more persons or group come together for the attainment of a common goal, it is known as cooperation. It is a form of social interaction in which two sides help each other for mutual benefits. There are three types of cooperation: voluntary, coerced and self-centred. Voluntary cooperation strengthens social ties, while coerced cooperation is only for formality. Self-cantered cooperation is full of intention of selfishness. It can also be direct and indirect. When two parties are in direct contact this is called direct corporation but if there is absence of physical presence this is called indirect operation.
Accommodation: The process of reaching a consensus is called accommodation. It takes place after conflict. Conflict creates imbalance in society and disturbs the social integration and equilibrium.
“Accommodation is a term used to describe the adjustment process of hostile individuals or groups.”
Ogburn and Nimkoff
“ Accommodation is a process of developing temporary working agreement between conflicting individual or groups.”
Horton and Hunt
When a conflict arises between two parties, sometimes a third party has a role to play in ending the conflict and opposition and reach a condition of common agreement. The agreement can be made by coercion and pressure. Besides, other methods such as compromise, arbitration (पञ्च निर्णय), subordination / super ordination, mediation, toleration, conversation etc. can also be used. The loser group has to accept the value and belief of the winner group. Thus, accommodation is needed to end the protests and bring about a state of reconciliation.
Assimilation: Assimilation is the process by which one person abandons and merges with another's life's ideals, values, and customs. In other words, it is the process in which an individual or group takes over the culture and identity of another group (usually larger) and becomes a part of that group.
According to Biesanz and Biesanz, "Assimilation is the social process whereby individuals or groups come to share the same sentiments and goals".
According to E.S. Bogardus, "Assimilation is a process whereby attitudes of many persons are united, and thus, develop into a united group".
Ogburn and Nimkoff define "Assimilation is the process whereby individuals or groups once dissimilar become similar, that it become identified in the interests and outlook".
Assimilation is the final product of interaction by which individuals and groups representing different cultures are merged into a homogeneous unit. In order to live together in a society, one has to accept other's ideas and culture, which gives birth to a new culture.
Exchange:
Exchange is a two-way process which involves give and take. It can be interpreted as the process of giving or taking things, ideas or behaviors between two individuals or groups. It is the most basic type of social infraction. Sociologists do not want to limit it only to economic transactions. Through this process, social behavior is exchanged for some type of reward for equal or greater value. The reward can be material (a paycheck at a job) or nonmaterial (a 'thank you' from your coworker).
The purpose of social exchange is to maximize positive interactions and minimize negative interactions. When the costs of the relationship outweigh the benefits, people will likely abandon the relationship.
b. Disassociative process: Social process which leads to negative results is called dissociative processes. These social processes result in disintegration of society. These are also known disjunctive social processes. We shall discuss following two under this heading:
I. Conflict: Conflict is a natural and inevitable part of human interaction and can occur anytime anywhere. It refers to a state of disagreement or opposition between individuals, groups, or entities. It can arise due to various factors such as differences in interests, values, beliefs, or goals. , workplaces, communities, or even at a global level. It can have both positive and negative effects, depending on how it is managed and resolved.
Conflict is the anti-thesis (opposite) of cooperation. It is a deliberate attempt to oppose, resist or coerce the will of another or others. The defeat of the opponent is the main objective in conflict. It can also be called competition in hostile form. In other words, when competition is personalised, it becomes conflict. As there is a struggle for existence and survival of the fittest in the world, there is a conflict between individuals or groups.
According to J K. Davis, "Conflict is uncodified form of struggle".
According to A.W. Green, "Conflict is the deliberate attempt to oppose, resist or coerce the will of another or others".
Gillin and Gillin say, "Conflict is the social process in which individuals or groups seek their ends by directly challenging the antagonist by violence or threat of violence".
The main benefit of conflict is that it develops the sense of fraternity in the people involved in the same group. It discourages injustice and oppression in society, but should not allow conflict to lead to violence, unrest and chaos. Effective conflict resolution involves open communication, empathy, compromise, and finding mutually acceptable solutions.
Competition: Competition is a form of social interaction that occurs whenever there is an insufficient supply of anything human beings desire. It is a force which compels people to act against one another. It is a natural result of the universal struggle for existence. People compete not only for bread but for luxuries, power, social position, mates, fame and all other things not available as needed. It is an effort to outdo the competitor in achieving some mutually desired goal.
According to Park and Burgess (2009), "competition is an interaction without social contact".
Biesanz, (1996) defines "competition is the striving of two or more persons for the same goal which is limited so that all cannot share".
According to Sutherland, Woodward and Maxwell "Competition is an impersonal, unconscious, continuous struggle between individuals or groups for satisfaction which, because of their limited supply, all may not have."
Competition is a rivalry where two or more parties strive for a common goal which cannot be shared. Healthy levels of competition can help improve self-esteem and increase enjoyment of life. It can also motivate people to work harder toward their goals.
4.4.5 Classification of Social Interaction
Social interactions are classified in different ways which are mentioned as follows:
By number of persons
By degree of intimacy
By social process
By Number of persons: Interaction by number of persons involved refers to how many people a person interacts with. When a person is small, his interaction is only with a limited number of people, and as he develops, his interaction also becomes wider. The interaction based on the number of persons can be classified into three parts:
Person to person interaction: One person's interaction with another person is called person-to-person interaction. This type of interaction is more common from birth to infancy. The child first starts interacting with mother and gradually this process reaches out to other members of the family to the peer group or (play group). It usually involves the adoption of individual ideas, discussions, manners, customs, values, etc.
Interaction between a person and a group: In this case, interaction takes place between a person and a group or a group with a person. As the child matures he accepts the family as a group. Through interaction with family groups, the child learns about his relationship, family unity, family's role in society, his culture, discipline, policies, etc. In this way, the child's interaction extends from the circle of family group to sports group, peer group, various organizations of the society and so on.
Interaction of a group with another group: There are different groups in society. Depending on the time and situation, one group has to deal with another group to solve the problems. Such a relationship between groups is called group interaction. The scope of this type of interaction can be regional, national and international. In this, one group can influence the other group in two ways, cooperating and opposing. If the goals, strategies or interests of the group match, then there will be cooperative interaction, while if the goal, motive or interests of the group do not match, then there will be quarrel, conflict and opposition.
By degree of intimacy: Degree of intimacy refers to how close individuals or groups are to each other. On this basis, the interaction can be further subdivided as:
First grade (primary relationship): If a person or group has a very close contact and relationship with another person or group, it is called first grade intimacy. They have direct and affectionate relationship. Such relationships are found mainly between people with family and blood ties. Apart from this, it also happens with sports groups, classmates and to some extent neighbours.
Second grade (secondary relationship): Such a relationship is not as close as the primary relationship and it also has less two-way contact. This is also called second grade relationship. There may only be a formal relationship. This includes relationships with peer groups, social clubs, organizations, schools, political parties, religious groups and communities.
Third grade (tertiary relationship): Tertiary or marginal relationships develop through casual encounters and contacts between people. Such relationships are fleeting (क्षणिक), self motivated, voluntary, informal, and impersonal. Due to the immediate need, such a relationship has to be established. This type of relationship is especially established when traveling, having lunch at a hotel, watching a movie, or carrying out rescue work in an accident.
By social process: Social process-based interactions can be studied by classifying them into the following three parts:
Social adjustment: Man is a social animal. He lives in a society and form opinion about others and others have opinions about him. We try to behave according to the norms of the society so that we can adjust with others. This is social adjustment. Social adjustment is an effort made by an individual to cope with standards, values and needs of a society in order to be accepted. In detail, social adjustment is the process of establishing interrelationships between different cultures of a society. It occurs when a person lives and works in harmony with the culture, civilization, manners and behaviour of the society. It is further classified into following three parts:
Positive adaptation: The process of developing new habits as needed based on the child's developmental process is called positive adaptation/ adjustment. It occurs through learning by conditioned response, development of sequential chain of response, transfer of learning etc.
Negative adaptation: Negative adaptation occurs when a child forgets his old habits and adapts to a new situation while adjusting to society. The following measures can be used for negative adjustment:
Disuse
Gradually reducing the intensity of the stimulus
Increasing frequency of stimulus
Associative inhibition
Failure to procure satisfactory response
Passive adaptation: Passive adaptation is the process of adjusting, not on the basis of one's own originality, but by copying or imitating others. For example, imitating the behavior of a seniors.
Oppositional process
Opposition is a social interaction in which one group or individual seeks to achieve its purpose by being antagonistic to another group or individual. In this process, success or achievement of goals is not possible for both parties, while one is beneficial, the other is disadvantaged. Opposition is also a necessary process for social and personality development but violence and unrest should not be allowed to arise from opposition/ protest. There are two forms of opposition namely the conflict and competition ( which has already been discussed in former topic).
On the basis of participation, the opposition can be divided into the following classes:
Opposition within the individual/ intrapersonal opposition
Interpersonal opposition
Opposition between groups to group
Cooperative process: When two or more groups work together to achieve a common goal, it is called a cooperative process. This process can also be classified into the following three parts:
Voluntary co-operation: Voluntary co-operation is free help given to achieve a goal without any interest( selfishness)
Forced/coerced co-operation: Assistance given to someone under fear, intimidation and pressure is called forced co-operation.
Egocentric co-operation: Helping others to achieve their own interests is called self-centered or egocentric cooperation.
Implications of Sociological bases of Education for School
A school is created by the society and the society is shaped and moulded by the school. Thus, education is both a cause and product of society. It originates in the society and it must fulfil the needs and aspirations of the individuals and society. Thus, every aspect of education such as aims, functions, materials of instructions, methods of teaching is greatly influenced by sociological factors. Some of the implications of sociological base of education for school can be traced out as follows:
Education is not only limited to schooling and instruction. It is a social process. Learning is a social interaction and it should aim at making the individual an active and useful member of society.
The objective of education should be social welfare and advancement.
The curriculum should not only be the bundle of subjects, it should base on social needs that gives diverse experience to the child.
Educational activities should be based on social reality that contributes to the socialization of the child to bring about social cohesion and solidarity.
The school should be developed as a miniature society that promotes various social responsibilities and functions as a social agency.
The school administration should ensure the participation of children in various administrative activities by embracing democratic values.
The teacher should be the child's friend, motivator and guide.
The method of teaching must place primary emphasis on social behavior outside the classroom that enhances the child's social adjustment ability etc.
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