FUNCTIONS OF EDUCATION IN SOCIETY

Acquisition of knowledge and development of the personality of an individual is no longer presumed to be the main function of education. Functions are assumed to occur without directed effort. From the sociological point of view, education has the following functions:

1.     Assimilation and transmission of culture/traditions:

This needs to be done consciously and selectively because traditions need to be selected for transmission as well as omission depending on their value and desirability in today‘s democratic set-up.

 For example, one needs to propagate the idea of ‗Sarva Dharma Samabhav‘ meaning ‗all Dharmas (truths) are equal to or harmonious with each other‘. In recent times this statement has been taken as meaning "all religions are the same" - that all religions are merely different paths to God or the same spiritual goal. It emphasizes moral responsibilities in society that people should have towards each other. At the same time education should encourage people to do away with the custom of child marriage, etc.

Education should help in

·        Acquisition/clarification of personal values

·        Self-realization/self-reflection: awareness of one‘s abilities and goals

·        Self-esteem/self-efficacy

·        Thinking creatively

·        Cultural appreciation: art, music, humanities

·        Developing a sense of well-being: mental and physical health

·        Acquisition/clarification of values related to the physical environment

·        Respect: giving and receiving recognition as human beings

·        Capacity/ability to live a fulfilling life

2.     Development of new social patterns:

Today the world is changing very fast due to development of technology and communication. So along with preservation of traditional values, new values, social patterns need to be developed where

·        Citizens rooted in their own cultures and yet open to other cultures are produced.

·        Global outlook is fostered.

·        Knowledge is advanced in such a way that economic development goes hand in hand with responsible management of the physical and human environment.

·        Citizens who understand their social responsibilities are produced.

·        Citizens who can evaluate information and predict future outcomes are developed – in short who can take part in decision-making

·        Who have the capacity/ability to seek out alternative solutions and evaluate them are trained – those who are trained in problem solving

3.     Activation of constructive and creative forces:

 Education should help to build up a qualified and creative workforce that can adapt to new technologies and take part in the ‗intelligence revolution‘ that is the driving force of our economies. It should

·        Ensure capacity/ability to earn a living: career education

·        Develop mental and physical skills: motor, thinking, communication, social, aesthetic

·        Produce citizens who can adapt, adjust according to social environment,

·        Produce citizens who can contribute towards the progress of society,

·        Produce citizens who will live democratically,

·        Create individuals who will make proper use of leisure time,

·        Train individuals to adapt to change or prepare for change, better still initiate change in the society,

·        Develop individuals who are open to others and mutual understanding and the values of peace,

·        Promote knowledge of moral practices and ethical standards acceptable by society/culture

·        Develop capacity/ability to recognize and evaluate different points of view

·        Develop understanding of human relations and motivations