Deck 1: Introduction: Understanding School and Society

Question 1

The analytic framework presented in this chapter illustrates how the political economy and ideology of a society impact each other, as well as how both impact the institution of schooling and educational practice. How might changes in the social order, changes in what society understands and values, impact our social institutions and educational practice? What modern day examples of this phenomenon can you point to? How is the dynamic at work in your example?

Answer 1

Changes in the social order and shifts in societal values can significantly impact our social institutions and educational practices. For example, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in society, leading to changes in educational policies and practices to reflect these values. This includes the adoption of inclusive curriculum, the promotion of diverse perspectives in teaching materials, and efforts to address systemic inequalities within the education system.

One modern-day example of this phenomenon is the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in education. As society's understanding of mental health has evolved, there has been a push for schools to provide more comprehensive support for students' emotional well-being. This has led to the implementation of mental health programs, the hiring of more school counselors, and a greater emphasis on creating supportive and inclusive school environments.

The dynamic at work in this example is one where changes in societal values and understanding of mental health have influenced the institutional practices within schools. This reflects the interconnected nature of political economy, ideology, and educational institutions, as changes in one aspect of society can lead to ripple effects across various social institutions, including education.

Question 2

Although the Athenian citizen was expected to participate directly (not just through representation) in forming the laws of the city-state, this citizenship excluded women, slaves, and metics. Was the Athenian view of democracy less restricted or more restricted than our contemporary view? Explain.

Answer 2

The Athenian view of democracy was more restricted than our contemporary view. In ancient Athens, only male citizens were allowed to participate in the democratic process, while women, slaves, and metics were excluded from citizenship and therefore had no voice in the government. In contrast, our contemporary view of democracy emphasizes the inclusion of all eligible members of society, regardless of gender, race, or social status. We believe in equal representation and participation in the democratic process, and have made strides to ensure that all citizens have the right to vote and have a say in the formation of laws and policies. Therefore, while the Athenian view of democracy was limited to a select group of male citizens, our contemporary view is more inclusive and less restricted.

Question 3

What do you remember from your own elementary or secondary schooling about how the understanding of democracy and feelings of citizenship were fostered, or not, by the school you attended? In your opinion, how do you think students should be prepared, by the educational institutions they attend, to become involved, knowledgeable citizens in a democracy?

Answer 3

In my own elementary and secondary schooling, I remember that the understanding of democracy and feelings of citizenship were fostered through various activities and lessons. We had discussions about the importance of voting, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the history of our country's democracy. We also had opportunities to participate in student government and to engage in community service projects, which helped us understand the value of being an active and involved citizen.

However, I also remember that there were times when these concepts were not fully addressed or emphasized in our school. There were gaps in our education about the workings of our government and the role of citizens in shaping our society.

In my opinion, students should be prepared to become involved, knowledgeable citizens in a democracy by educational institutions in several ways. First, schools should provide comprehensive and accurate education about the democratic process, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the history of democracy. This can be achieved through updated curriculum and engaging teaching methods. Additionally, schools should provide opportunities for students to actively participate in democratic processes, such as mock elections, debates, and community service projects. This hands-on experience will help students understand the practical aspects of being a citizen in a democracy.

Furthermore, educational institutions should encourage critical thinking and civil discourse in the classroom, so that students can develop the skills to engage in informed and respectful discussions about important issues. Finally, schools should foster a sense of civic pride and responsibility, by promoting a culture of community involvement and service.

Overall, by providing a comprehensive education and practical experiences in democracy, schools can prepare students to be involved, knowledgeable, and responsible citizens in a democracy.

Question 4

Explaining why children from certain social and economic groups tend to perform better than others in schools

A) is an important element of teachers' professional expertise.
B) has been sufficiently accomplished by the popular media.
C) relies on a variety of historical, sociological, and theoretical arguments.
D) relies on a variety of historical, sociological, and theoretical arguments, and is an important element of teachers' professional expertise.

Question 5

Schooling includes

A) planned instruction and programs of study.
B) learning achieved through the hidden curriculum.
C) the state's goals for its citizens.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 6

An important goal of education is

A) one's "self-creation."
B) the development of the ability to select from among possible alternatives.
C) the development of the ability to generate responses to unanticipated situations.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 7

Political economy most accurately refers to

A) the political system of a society.
B) the economic stratification of a society.
C) a society's institutions and organizations.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 8

Ideology is a concept that includes

A) the structure of a society's economic and governmental institutions.
B) a distortion of perspective on the part of those people holding to the ideology.
C) how groups understand the organization of their society and that of other societies.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 9

Failure of teachers to understand the broader social and cultural contexts that surround their schools and classrooms

A) impairs their ability to interpret school and classroom events.
B) allows them to better concentrate on issues of teaching and learning.
C) helps them construct meaningful solutions to perennial problems.
D) None of these answers is correct.

Question 10

Systematic exclusion of some groups of people from the decision-making processes of their culture occurs in societies considered to be

A) democratic.
B) socialist.
C) communist.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 11

Theories help us

A) reach absolute truth.
B) explain social phenomena.
C) validate our opinions.
D) All these answers are correct.

Question 12

The dominant ideology of a society

A) is that which is fully endorsed and shared by all social groups and economic classes in a society.
B) never reflects the views of people from less privileged economic and social classes.
C) prevents social unrest and revolution.
D) None of these answers is correct.

Question 13

Athenian citizens were confident that slaves and non-citizens would perform manual labor, primarily because

A) their warlike society frequently enslaved vanquished soldiers.
B) the dominant ideology supported such a hierarchical division of labor and rights.
C) everyone believed that slaves were supposed to be manual laborers.
D) All these answers are correct.