Sociology Theory

4. Discuss Paulo Freire and his ideas regarding education. What is the banking system of education and dehumanization? What does Freire pose as an alternative form of education? How does this lead to praxis and humanization?

- Paulo Freire was born on September 19, 1921 in Recife, Brazil, and known for being one of the most well known educators of our time. Freire endured several experiences in which would shape his concerns for the poor and would help to construct his particular educational viewpoint. The banking system of education can best be described as an educational process that focuses on the students’ environment. Freire assumes that the learners must understand their own reality as part of their learning activity. As expressed in his 1970 work, “Pedagogy of the Oppressed”, the banking system treats students as an empty bank account, students are instructed to open their minds and allow educators to fill them with relevant data and information. The end result is passive learning- education without agency. (Online opinion, reference from Pedagogy of the Oppressed) As an alternative form of education Freire feels that Problem-Posing Education better suits the minds of students because it allows them to focus on their personal interests rather than the traditional list of what they are supposed to learn. In the Problem Posing Education model teachers and students create knowledge collectively in a variety of contexts, then create and address important questions about their knowledge produced. Freire’s idea of education was a practice of freedom from a critical reflection on various adult education projects he undertook in Brazil. His theory was part of a praxis, “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it” (Freire, 1070, p. 36 Pedagogy of the Oppressed) Freire felt that praxis was a necessary condition of freedom.

1. Compare and contrast the works of Marx and Durkheim. Include in your analysis their research methods, theory of stratification, and social change.

- Social theorists like Emile Durkheim and Karl Marx challenged the aspect of social structure in their works. Emile Durkheim is known as a functionalist stating that everything serves a purpose in society and his key concern was to discover what that function was. On the other hand Karl Marx, a conflict theorist, stresses that society is a complex system characterized by inequality and conflict that create social change. Both Durkheim and Marx were concerned with the characteristics of groups and structures rather than with individuals themselves. Marx’ focus was on oppression, class struggle and on the other hand, was terribly frustrated by inequality and what he considered misuse of those who have not by those who have. Marx looked further than the figures and social indicators to the real people whom he believed should rise up in revolution against the exploitations. A major focus for Durkheim was the division of labor, while he saw social stratification and inequality as natural results of society, and he wasn't too worried about them. He was just interested in figuring out social indicators, the better to understand society. Marx both has the desire for the development of a new mode of production and believes that the very reason of the system is such that his “desired” outcome is in fact predictable. He believes that class