Education and Sociology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective on the Role of Education in Society

Author: Md. Nasimul Hoque

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03110019

Abstract: Education and sociology are closely interconnected disciplines that together explain how individuals develop within a social context and how society evolves through organized learning processes. Sociology of education examines the relationship between education systems and the social structures in which they operate. Education not only transmits knowledge but also shapes social norms, values, and cultural identity. At the same time, social factors such as class, gender, culture, and economic conditions influence educational opportunities and outcomes. This paper explores the theoretical and practical connections between education and sociology by analyzing major sociological perspectives on education, including functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism. It further examines the role of education in socialization, social stratification, cultural transmission, and social mobility. The article also discusses the impact of social institutions such as family, community, religion, and mass media on educational processes. In contemporary society, globalization, technological advancement, and policy reforms are reshaping educational systems and creating new sociological challenges. The paper highlights how education can promote equality, social cohesion, and democratic values while also addressing inequalities that exist within societies. By integrating sociological insights with educational practices, policymakers and educators can design inclusive and equitable systems that contribute to sustainable social development. The study concludes that understanding the sociological foundations of education is essential for developing educational policies that foster social justice, cultural integration, and national progress.

Keywords: Sociology of Education, Socialization, Social Stratification, Cultural Transmission, Social Mobility, Educational Inequality, Social Institutions.

Page No: 171-177