Reporter:

Course Code - Title: DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY

SYSTEM
Topic: SCHOOLS AS SOCIAL AGENTS AND SOCIAL CRITICS
Sem / A.Y. : MID YEAR / 2022 – 2023
Professor:

INTRODUCTION
The school is an institution set up for the purpose of socialization and cultural transmission. The
school is said to be next to the family in terms of importance as far as socialization is concerned.

BODY
The role of a school as a social agent refers to its function as an institution that actively
influences and contributes to the social development, change, and progress of a society. Schools play a crucial
role in shaping the attitudes, values, knowledge, and skills of individuals, which in turn impact the larger
community. Here's how a school can serve as a social agent:
Education and Knowledge Dissemination
Schools are primary sources of education, providing students with knowledge and skills that are essential for
personal growth and societal progress.
Socialization and Values Transmission
Schools contribute to the socialization process by transmitting cultural values, norms, and ethical principles to
students.
Promotion of Citizenship and Civic Responsibility
Schools foster active citizenship by educating students about their rights and responsibilities within society.
They encourage participation in democratic processes and promote civic engagement and community
involvement.
Cultural Preservation and Innovation
Schools preserve cultural heritage by teaching traditional practices, languages, and histories.
Social Mobility and Equal Opportunity
Schools can serve as vehicles for social mobility by providing equal educational opportunities to all students,
regardless of their background.
Gender and Social Equity
Schools play a role in promoting gender equality by challenging gender stereotypes, providing equal
educational opportunities for all genders, and fostering environments where diverse identities are respected.
Addressing Social Issues
Schools can actively address social issues such as bullying, discrimination, and exclusion.
Role Models and Leadership
Educators serve as role models and mentors, influencing students' personal development and aspirations.

A school can become a social critic by fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking, open
dialogue, and a deep understanding of social issues. Here are some steps and approaches a school can take to
become a social critic:
Open Discussions
Create spaces for open discussions, debates, and forums where students can share their perspectives on current
events, societal issues, and cultural phenomena.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Foster an atmosphere that values questioning, analysis, and independent thought.
Engage with Current Affairs
Integrate current events and real-world issues into the curriculum. Discuss contemporary topics such as social
inequality, environmental concerns, human rights, and global politics.
Involve Community Engagement
Encourage students to participate in community service, volunteer work, and advocacy efforts to enhance their
understanding of social issues and motivate them to become active social critics.
Promote Research and Writing
Encourage students to conduct research and write essays or reports that analyze and critique societal
phenomena.
Art and Creative Expression
Incorporate art, literature, music, and other forms of creative expression as vehicles for exploring and critiquing
societal norms.
Create Safe Spaces
Establish an inclusive and respectful environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions
without fear of judgment.
Media Literacy
Equip students with media literacy skills to critically analyze the messages portrayed in various media forms,
including news, advertisements, and entertainment.
SUMMARY
In conclusion, schools play dual roles as both social agents and social critics, exerting a profound
influence on shaping society. As social agents, schools serve as the bedrock of education and socialization,
imparting not only academic knowledge but also cultural values and civic responsibilities while schools
embrace their role as social critics by nurturing critical thinking, fostering open dialogues, and raising
awareness of pressing societal issues.

REFERENCES

THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL AS A SOCIALIZING AGENT | KING MATUTU - Academia.edu

Teachers as agents of social change (ed.gov)