Author Question: __________ examine how microlevel contacts between people may produce either greater racial ... (Read 65 times)

rl · **on:** Jul 2, 2018

__________ examine how microlevel contacts between people may produce either greater racial tolerance or increased levels of hostility.

a. Conflict theoristsb. Symbolic interactionists
c. Functionalists d. Postmodern theorists

Question 2

Explain the manifest and latent functions of education.

What will be an ideal response?

kthug · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 2, 2018

Answer to Question 1

b

Answer to Question 2

Sociologists using a functionalist framework distinguish between manifest functions and

latent functions. Manifest functions are open, stated, and intended goals or

consequences of activities within an institution. Education serves five major manifest

functions in society: (1) Socializationschool s teach students the student role, specific

academic subjects, and political socialization. (2) Transmission of cultureschools

transmit cultural norms and values to each new generation and play an active part in

the process of assimilation of recent immigrants. (3) Social controlschools are

responsible for teaching values such as discipline, respect, obedience, punctuality, and

perseverance. (4) Social placementschools are responsible for identifying the most

qualified people to fill the positions available in society students are channeled into

programs based on individual ability and academic achievement. (5) Change and

innovationschools introduce new programs to meet societal needs as student

populations change over time. All social institutions have latent functions, which are

hidden, unstated, and sometime unintended consequences of activities within an

institution. Education serves at least three latent functions: (1) Restricting some

activitiesearly in the twentieth century, all states passed mandatory education laws

that require children to attend school until they reach a specified age (usually age

sixteen) or complete a minimum level of formal education (generally the eighth grade).

Out of these laws grew one latent function of education, which is to keep students off

the streets and out of the full-time job market for a number of years. (2) Matchmaking

and production of social networksschools bring together people of similar ages, social

class, and race/ethnicity young people often meet future marriage partners and

develop social networks that may last for many years. (3) Creation of generation gap

students may learn information in school that contradicts beliefs held by their parents

or their religion.