According to conflict theorists, the persistence of social class inequality can be linked to the educational institutions in the United States. Although education is asserted to be a social equalizer, many argue that the educational system is a mechanism of social reproduction that maintains social inequality rather than ensuring equality of opportunity. In this discussion, you will read Chapter Four of the text, Introduction to Sociology, and review the articles, Foundations of Educational Inequality and the Ordering Regime chapter from the book, The Shame of the Nation.
Answer the following questions:
- What factors influence the quality of education that an individual receives?
- How is social class reproduced through the educational system?
- How is this continuing educational inequality impacting other social institutions?