Compare functionalist and conflict perspectives as they relate to the consequences of inequality in education
What will be an ideal response?
Educational opportunities and life chances are directly linked. Some functionalist
theorists view education as the "elevator" to social mobility. Improvements in the
educational achievement levels (measured in number of years schooling completed) of
the poor, people of color, and white women have been cited as evidence that students'
abilities are now more important than their class, race, or gender. From this
perspective, inequality in education is declining and students have an opportunity to
achieve upward mobility through achievements at school. Functionalists generally see
the education system as flexible, allowing most students the opportunity to attend
college if they apply themselves. In contrast, most conflict theorists stress that schools
are agencies for reproducing the capitalist class system and perpetuating inequality in
society. From this perspective, education perpetuates poverty. Parents with limited
income are not able to provide the same educational opportunities for their children as
are families with greater financial resources. Today, great disparities exist in the
distribution of educational resources. Because funding for education primarily comes
from local property taxes, school district in wealthy suburban areas generally pay
higher teachers' salaries, have newer buildings, and provide state-of-the-art
equipment. By contrast, schools in poorer areas have a limited funding base.
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Why is Brazil's racial democracy an illusion? Also, compare the differences in Brazilian and American race relations
What will be an ideal response?
Williams argues that racial inequality influences:
a. where we choose to shop, what we buy and how we shop b. where we choose to shop but not what we buy c. what we buy but not where she shop d. who shops but not where we shop or what we buy
According to the text, which of the following is true? a. The more similar a couple is in terms of race and class, the more likely they are to break up
b. The more similar a couple is in terms of race and class, the less likely they are to break up. c. The more similar a couple is in terms of parental relationships, the more likely they are to break up. d. The more similar a couple is in terms of parental relationships, the less likely they are to break up.
Dustin, a carpenter, works for a large furniture factory. He must follow strict plans and cannot be creative. He feels distant from his coworkers and he finds his work tedious and unrewarding. Sociologists would see Dustin as being
A. tired. B. alienated. C. lazy. D. insubordinate.