Jenna Wiebe - Blog 2

Blog 2 - Chapter 2

This chapter provided a lot of new definitions for me within the realm of sociology of education.  Most of the theories that were introduced within this chapter were ones that I had never before  been exposed to.  One new term that stood out to me was credentialism, which “refers to the requirement of obtaining specific qualifications for membership to particular groups” (p. 28).  The text went on to state that a lot of entry-level jobs required university degrees even though the job itself did not require a university level of knowledge (p. 28).  I find this fact to be quite interesting and somewhat unfortunate.  I am unsure as to why these entry-level positions require a university level education and wonder if this is truly necessary. 

Urie Bronfenbrenner was introduced later on in chapter 2, where it states that his “theory about the nature of child development and how children are profoundly affected by various aspects of their environment.  His ecological systems theory asserts that child outcomes are the results of the many reciprocal effects between the child and his or her environment” (page 43).  I found this statement to be quite interesting and something that would make for a rather in depth discussion.   I find myself asking questions such as, how does the environment impact the child?  How does this impact the child’s development?  When I think of this statement on a personal level, I do feel that the environment in which I grew up (a small town) definitely took a part in shaping the personal who I am today.   The family in which I grew up also played a part in shaping the person who I am today.  This makes me wonder how I would differ if the environment I grew up in were altered in some way?

Further to the idea that the environment impacts the child, the text goes on to say that “this theory recognizes that while parents have an important role in shaping the lives of their children, there are bigger, external forces over which they have no control, but which similarly impact on their child’s development” (page 44).  It is important to recognize that while the parent plays a crucial role in the development of the child, there are external forces at play that take a part in the development of the child.  Since there are so many factors that influence children and their development,  as a future educator, I need to make sure that my interactions with children are positive and beneficial for their overall well-being.

Discussion Question:  The text states that, “critical race theorists examine the often very subtle ways that racism plays itself out in various social structures.  In fact, they point to how racism has become “normal” in society” (page 47).  As an educator, how will you ensure your classroom is a racism free zone?  What steps will you take to combat the “normalization” of racism?