Social Theory

Paper Summary:

In a discussion about how children should be taught in the 21st century, this paper considers four social theories: functionalism, Marxism, interpretivism, and post-modernism. The paper discusses each theory individually and looks at how they can be applied to such areas as education in contemporary American history. The paper concludes by questioning whether, from the perspective of education, it is necessary to only consider one theory over another. Rather, the paper contends, emphasis should be placed on how to deal with the challenges in today's classroom. Teachers will continue to lead the educational process, but they need to be very sensitive about the issues facing the society as a whole and the children as individuals in this society.

From the Paper:

"A most recent addition to social theory is called postmodernism. Traditionally, social theorists believed that "modern" could be associated with progress; increased knowledge would lead to a better understanding of society and thus improve this society. Postmodernism, stipulates that there are "limits and limitations of modern reason" (Ritzer & Smart, 2001, p. 397) inherent in the forms and types of reasoning and social analysis that characterize society and the modern. Postmodernists question whether it is possible to equate reason and rationality with "progress in respect of 'justive, virtue, equality, freedom, and happiness'" Thus, "the practical consequences of modernity seem to have been persistently at odds with its programmatic promise."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Best, S. and Douglas, K. (1991) Postmodern Theory: Critical Interrogations, New York, The Guilford Press.
• Byrne, A. (1998). Interpretivism. In Roberto Casati (ed.), European Review of Philosophy. Stanford: CSLI Publications
• Dewey, J. (1997). Experience and education. New York: Touchstone Books.
• Giroux, H. (1997) 'Crossing the Boundaries of Educational Discourse: Modernism, post-modernism, and Feminism' in A. H. Halsey, H. Lauder, P. Brown and A. S. Wells (eds.) Education: Culture, Economy, and Society, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Gutek, G. L. (1997). Philosophical and ideological perspectives on education New York: Allyn & Bacon.

More papers on Social Theory:

• Essay # 84243 : "Social Theory "
• Analytical Essay # 124633 : "Social Theory and Picking Up Trash"
• Essay # 7070 : "Social Theory and Gender"
• Essay # 70781 : "Social Theory"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: