Social Perspectives of Education 1

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SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES OF EDUCATION

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15/4/2019

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 Social Perspectives of Education 2

Education is the main facilitator in the learning process. The society has several needs from education
whereby children are expected to attain norms and qualities that are suitable. Therefore, education is essential in
life’s learning process. Socially, education is approached in various ways. These approaches are grouped into
functional, social equality and social interactions. This article will look into these perspectives and how they affect
outcomes in education. This paper will also consider how economic, cultural and social factors arbitrate
experiences in schools which results to educational outcomes.
Classical humanism main element is to perceive something by looking into sources of certain information
(Archer 2018). These sources provide information of higher significance other than articles produced by biased
authors. Humanism is a way of inquiry that came from north of Italy. From history, humanism is also referred to
as renaissance. This program in Europe occurred in the middle ages and involved financial, heritage and political
aspects. Renaissance boosted philosophy, writings and drawings because great deliberators, writers and artists
flourished in that era. Humanism has continued to thrive long after the end of renaissance. Humanism is grouped
into three categories (Bell and Adams 2016). Humanism as the present detail of humanity is the first type of
humanism. Modern humanism is the focus that has been there in the present state in terms of science, nature,
representative government and moral code. Modern humanism describes reality between what is alive and what
does not exist. Human welfare is the second type of humanism. A human as a central point in the society is the
basis of this humanism. Therefore, as a human being, human-centeredness humanism states a human should have
values and behaviors that are of good psychology because they are inseparable (Froelhich 2015). Classical
humanism is the basis of educational and cultural benefit in human classical heritage for present day use.
Humanism was used by an educationist in Germany for the first time in the year 1808. For the first time,
humanism was used to refer to historical events, writings, oratory, morals and grammar. In due course, humanism
portrays a certain approach or mentality of experiences faced by humans. It will be noted that classical humanism
is the act of using past Rome and Greece traditions. There are several effects of classical humanism on education.
Modern schools use humanism that was used in the renaissance period of education. Today, children’s
opinions, comfortable surroundings and freedom of speech are very crucial. The scope on education looks into
making sure a student achieves their best. During the renaissance period, children were permitted to have freedom
of speech while having opportunities to be superior than they were. Firstly, a child can be permitted to choose a
study route. This means the perspective of the child on his future allows them to indulge into courses of their
choice. Educational outcomes will improve to higher rates given children undertake courses of their choices.
Tutors believe that children will be encouraged to study a subject if it directly came from them. Self-awareness
and motivation is the second influence of classical humanism in education. The main aim of education is to
encourage children wants to study and teaching them the basic ways to learn by themselves. According to
humanism, self-evaluation is the basis of study. Grades are the basis of the education system at all levels but
humanistic tutors accredit ones satisfaction as the basis of success. Grading in school will only encourage children
to pass by getting the stipulated grades but the children are not happy deep down. According to humanistic
teachers, tests are unimportant as they don’t provide enough report on the performance of both the children and the
tutor. They only test the ability of students to memorize. Children sentiments are considered essential by
humanistic tutors. Schools need to provide surroundings that are not intimidating to children according to
humanistic tutors.
The future of children is determined by molding their wishes. The drive in them boosts knowledge and
skills that will enable the desires come to pass. For a child to have a desire, they have to be of clear-mind that will
enable them see their goals come to pass. Children’s curiosity is renewed each time they find something
interesting they can indulge in. This varies from behaviors, art, music, writing and religion. Therefore, as the art of
science thrives, the act of wonder and curiosity still happens. The ability to be free is one of the essential factors in
a human being. It is every humans wish to guard, expand and make sure the guidelines to their freedom come to
pass. Learning, play and working conditions for children according to classical humanism is supposed to be
humanized. Learning institutions should improve the living standards of children. During the historical program,
schools were not only meant to promote knowledge but also create an environment where students have good
morals. This was used to improve one’s dignity. This has led to introduction of humanities that are subjects taught
in school. These subjects were mainly taught by the tutors in the historic program of renaissance. Moral
philosophy, history and poetry encouraged students to express their own views (Porter 2017). Therefore, classical
humanism has continually influenced education through the creation subjects that help their studies and life in
general. Italy among nations in Europe was highly influenced by classical humanism in teaching and thinking
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modes. Levels of education rose in the nation recording high numbers of university levels and progress in
teaching.
However, the church, being the center of belief recorded lower turnout of about 1300 in the thirteenth
century. The church being the foundation of learning then, witnessed a transition that only relates to how
classical humanism had greatly affected the learning sector. The main scope on humanism was meant to permit
children develop their own ideas and opinions without any limitations from parents. At a tender age, male children
were given the chance to join universities. The renaissance historical period led to introduction of classrooms
which are the basis of learning today (Loseke 2017). A student learning ability is different; beating of children is
therefore not a solution.
Although classical humanism had many positive changes in the education system, there were also negative
effects. Firstly, only few people were given the chance to experience the education. Today, finding a suitable
teacher for a humanist class is challenging as nowadays teachers are interested in children discipline, classroom
control and lesson preparations. Humanist students are less competitive as compared to traditional schools.
Classical humanism encourages competition with self which puts the humanist students in a disadvantaged
situation as it does not result to an improved performance.
Education provides the basis for developing a society. Classical humanism which came along in the
renaissance period provided education that became very crucial. Gender inequality has always been there since
time immemorial. Male and female have been dealt with in divergent manner whereby male are given a higher
priority as compared to women. There has always been a negative attitude toward women. During the renaissance
period, it was no difference from today. Men were considered to control everything in the society leaving women
out of numerous opportunities for the simple reason men did not want them. Women were kept away from
education during this period where only the wealthy and powerful females benefitted from education. However
much it is stated equality should have been attained during the historic period in the north of Italy, it was close to
impossible. Wealthy and powerful women were given opportunities to learn but midway through the process, the
fact always revealed itself that women were housewives. Women were always clouded with options to choose
from which led to education opportunities being minimal (Surtherland 2017). A woman is regarded as a mother in
a society and is seen to have the role of carrying a baby especially a male child who she is expected to raise to a
man. Although some women were given opportunities to learn, the choices of what they were to do with the
education was minimal. In the early periods of renaissance, both male and female children attended school.
Females with possession of humanist education would lead to more problems in their lives. These women were
forcefully made nuns or married off. Motherhood was the basis of women life which restricted them to staying at
home and becoming wives. Once a woman chose education over family, she would jail herself through her own
deeds. The community was left to speculate if a woman publicly revealed her education which would lead her to
escape into convents. As much as women wanted to learn, the end result of their education was minimal and
insignificant. Katherina a woman in the period of renaissance struggled to get educated while fighting her ground
but in the end of it all fell it the arms of a man leaving all she had achieved go to waste. Therefore, however much
women tried to fight for what they believed in, it would always end up in them going back to the society where
they were regarded as mothers and housewives.
After renaissance, females faced the same treatment which continuous till today in some areas. Women are
considered housewives who are involved in household chores since the beginning of time. Since it was the
perception since then, it is very difficult to change how women are seen in the society. Education is expanding at
a very high rate and some of the women are still left behind. Today, there is no excuse for anyone who does not
educate a female. The society ought to be educated as a whole without anyone being left behind.
During the historic period of renaissance, black people were allowed to interact with the white. Their skin
color did not limit them from doing the things they wanted to. Racial discrimination leads to unequal chances in
the education system and successful life as a whole. Classical humanism was not affected by color of skin during
the historical program. Additionally, black people had their own jobs to the extent of some being elected as
leaders. The term slavery is a common term that was experienced in the eighteenth century. Black people were
forcefully taken and forced to work in plantations belonging to whites. This act extended till the nineteenth
century where a couple of black people were still slaves. Before the seventeenth century, racism did not exist
illustrating during renaissance, the art of racial discrimination. After the era of racism started, cases of inequality
according to color of the skin have risen to unbelievable levels. These cases of racial discrimination range from
cultural, social and economic perspectives. In the education system, some learning institutions have become
poorer as a result of racial discrimination. Like the white children, black children have to choose subjects of their
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choice but they don’t have the liberty of choosing courses that happen in their day to day life. They are subjected
to choose figures that relate to the white people. History is a humanity subject that studies past events. Black
children are forced to learn history that involves the whites although they have a black race. Moreover, tutors
conducting lessons on past lives of people belonging to different races handle the topic in a very insensitive
manner. Books term slaves as people who used to work and later on migrated into countries belonging to the
whites. This promotes racial inequality whereby black people are viewed as slaves until today.

The freedom of choice has been limited in black children resulting to resistance and demonstrations. Dress
code in school has also triggered a racial argument whereby students claim some uniforms do not acknowledge the
history and cultural heritage of the blacks. Black youths and children have lower chances of becoming successful
which should not be the case. Laws on the eradication of racism in education should be generated to ensure each
child experiences equal success chance.

Today, classical humanism has become a topic of discussion mostly the education sector. Humanism in
the learning process has been considered by some to be of positive effect while others see it as having negative
effects. Response from people either supporting or rejecting classical humanism in education is considered as lack
of understanding or misinterpretation of the term. However, clear and detailed information on humanism in the
learning process is crucial in understanding its functionality today. Through classical humanism, various skills are
learnt. Poetry, writing, reading, self-awareness, critical thinking and appropriate decision making are taught. These
skills are essential in growth and development in children and young youths. Positive drive in children is
developed through self-awareness and appreciation of others. Humanistic education enhances proper decision
making and improvement of life in young youths and children. Survival skills are developed in young youths and
children as they learn basic skills. Parents goals are met through humanistic education by ensuring their children
have proper behaviors. Time management, assertiveness and respect are some of the skills parents are pleased to
see their children attain. Family communication improves as children are happy with the school work they are
involved in. Parents are encouraged to visit their children’s schools to ensure they are in good conditions while
observing whether their intended targets are met. Although children and young youths are encouraged to do things
that please them, classical humanism is not responsible for the vices that take place in the society. Drug abuse,
criminal activities and early pregnancies are some of the irresponsible consequences of wrong choices made by
youths. In a democratic nation, classical humanism is essential in ensuring young youths are prepared to be good
and responsible citizens. Humanistic education encourages crucial skills relating to a true, patriotic citizen
(Panofsky 2018).

Although classical humanism has so many advantages in the social perspectives on education, competition
is not uplifted among the youths. Self-competition is the basis of humanism education. Children and young youths
are left behind as present life is all about competition especially in the job sector.
Classical humanism has improved lives from the historic program of renaissance. A successful nation will
be achieved if the next generation, children and young youths are taught basic humanism skills. A society should
be involved in the education process as a whole without gender inequality. Forums and rallies supporting women
should be formed to ensure gender equality is met. Racism is a disgrace in the society. Nobody should be
discriminated because of their skin color. People involved in racism cases should be arrested and prosecuted to
ensure equal opportunities especially to children and young youths.
 Social Perspectives of Education 5

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