Chapter two in the text explored various
theories in the sociology of education that examine the effects of class, race
as well as gender in our school system and society as a whole (p. 15). I think
that it is really important to look at the various theories that were
influential throughout our history as a nation. It is important to learn about
the past and understand why things were done a certain way to avoid history
repeating itself int he future. I found the analysis in Box 2.1 “Understanding Past Practices
through a Durkheimian Lens” very thought provoking. Durkheim believed that the
role of education was to “instill society’s morals in the minds (and actions)
of young people”(p. 20). The fact
that the people of Canada whole-heartedly believed that it was their duty to
assimilate First Nations children into Canadian society through the use of
residential schools is truly horrifying. Thankfully our country today prides
itself on being multicultural. I found it really interesting to read about
critical race theory and how this does not mean overt racism but, “the subtle
ways that racism plays itself out in various social structures”(p. 47). I think
that it is essential that teachers are aware of this and make a special effort
to be conscious of what effect this can have on the students in their
classroom.
Discussion: Do you feel that you are aware of
the subtle racism that is embedded in our society? How do you think this effects
the students in your classroom?
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