Sociology of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Sociology of Education - Essay Example The new approach to education supports the idea that these are the families and private persons, who must be responsible for education, leaving minimum space for old objects of regulation. The incidence of state decreased, whereas the society is treated in terms of market and economy. The society is under reconstruction. But due to the fact that many state responsibilities inherent to old model of society are about to disappear, the rights of citizens are suppressed by the consumer rights. So some elements of solving the problems in the sphere of education were passed to the private sector. Present financial crisis and economic decline that still goes on both in the UK and the USA make evident that educational system is revised and reassessed. There are some points that are common for the both countries and these points are most demonstrative factors to show that revision is necessary, as it is dictated by the conditions of reality. These factors are as follows: it is a tendency to blame teachers for level of education doesn't meet the requirements of the society, as well as reducing the funds that are meant for educational needs and putting higher standards with the help of market management. This resulted in a flood of laws and recommendations given to the representatives of educational system. However, a significant part of these recommendations appeared to be a factor disturbing, rather than supporting the teachers in the process of changes made. The attempts of changing existing conditions have some differences in the USA and the UK and can be better seen in comparison. The essence of the educational reform in the USA lies in restructuring, in other words, providing for definite changes in structure, environment, organizations and curriculum of educational system. Changes include giving parents more opportunities of participating in school life and learning, or creating councils, or establishing school management and common problem-solving. Hallinger & Hausman (1993) described a plan that includes major points that should be taken into consideration while working upon the plans of reconstruction: "the decentralization of authority through school-based management; shared decision-making at each school site; a system of controlled parental choice concerning pupil attendance; and curricula organized around distinctive themes reflecting different educational philosophies ... The primary motivation was the district's commitment to the development of a viable and effective way to attain ethnic balance in its elementary schools." (Hallinger, P. & Hausman, C. 1993) The frames and schemes of restructuring differ in various states, cities and schools, but there is one general idea of reformation which is implemented in all these plans of restructuring. Some schools regard changes in structure as obligatory, the others find them optional. However, one of the most meaningful issues that refer to the essence of reformation is its effect on the nature, purpose and content of the teacher's functions. Usually restructuring presupposes a change from stressed administrative role to a flexible leadership, while in the

World Religions. Scientology and Its Appeal Essay

World Religions. Scientology and Its Appeal - Essay Example Moreover, the term scientology can also be defined as a valuable study which tends to preserve spiritual relationship to the principles along with the universe and other creatures within the world (Wallis, n. d.). The principles and beliefs of the religion i.e. Scientology are further witnessed to increase human potentials in accordance with increasing knowledge and skills concerning true nature along with the facets of immortal beings. According to Hubbard, the founder of the religion, scientology has been defined as the science that enables each individual to know the answer of each question relating to the aforesaid aspects. Moreover, the aspect of scientology can also be viewed as an effective organized system of progression which enables every individual to efficiently address various types of problems. Additionally, the concept has also been identified as an organization which relies upon both religion and psychology. Owing to the stated concern, an appropriate utilization of i deas or knowledge considerably provides the benefit to each individual to empower innate superhuman nature. According to the philosophical principles of Scientology, major challenges of each individual that unfavorably affects in attaining desired goals encompass deficiency in confidence, physical or psychological disabilities as well as psychosomatic infirmities (Matthews, 2011). Thus, the aforesaid significant aspects eventually reveal the appeal of Scientology. 2. Contrast between Science and Religion Science and religion have long been witnessed to create unabated discussion within the era of globalization. In relation to the present globalized environment, science and religion have been witnessed as the foremost paradigms that reveal significant controversy. In this regard, the dissimilarities of these paradigms have been illustrated in the following discussion. Science can be identified as the concept of knowledge which can be generated through the illustration of practical im plementations concerning any specific subject or topic. In contrast, the concept of religion is defined as the beliefs and moral that set by any individual to improve human life and gain fundamental source of satisfaction. Moreover, it has been viewed that religion is certainly unable to involve adequate evidence concerning different beliefs and norms. However, science can be observed to act in the form of encompassing experiential evidence concerning each act performed by any individual (Hohenberg, n.d.). In relation to the modern day context, it can be apparently observed that both the paradigms i.e. science and religion have significant dissimilarities. In this regard, the aspects within religion consist of certain beliefs that engage uncertain attributes or beliefs. However, due to the nature of practicability and realistic characteristics, science significantly weakened the religious beliefs resulting in excluding adequate practical attributes (Perlovsky, n.d.). 3. Brief Overvi ew of Globalization and Role of Atheism With regard to the gaining momentum of internationalization in this present day context, it can be widely viewed that the increased level of knowledge along with the perception of individuals play a decisive part in enhancing the force of globalization by a greater level. Moreover, the fierce development of human knowledge along with the greater involvement of scientific and technological aspects had radically provided adequate support to different individuals to increase his/her potential to achieve their respective desired goals and objectives. However, it is obvious that the vital aspect of atheism or avoiding beliefs of the traditional and religious aspects have also influenced more insight