DEFINING EDUCATION WITHIN POST-APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA

Question

Define education – formal and informal education
Social functions of education
Conflict perspective on education - #FeesMustFall

Answer 1

Formal education refers to the structured and systematic teaching process that takes place in schools, colleges, and universities. It includes the curriculum, teaching methods, and evaluation strategies that are approved by educational authorities. Informal education, on the other hand, refers to the learning that occurs outside of the formal classroom setting. It includes everyday experiences, such as learning from family, friends, and the community.

In post-apartheid South Africa, education has been acknowledged as a critical tool for social transformation and economic development. It is seen as a means of empowering individuals and providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to participate in the democratic society. Education is also believed to contribute to nation-building by promoting social cohesion and addressing historical inequalities.

The social functions of education in post-apartheid South Africa include:

1. Upward mobility: Education is seen as a means of social and economic advancement, offering individuals the opportunity to acquire skills and qualifications that can lead to better job prospects and improved life chances.

2. Social integration: Education plays a vital role in fostering social integration by bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds together and promoting understanding, tolerance, and cultural exchange.

3. Reducing inequality: Education is seen as a means of addressing historical inequalities by providing equal access to quality education for all, irrespective of race, socio-economic status, or background.

4. Skills development: Education focuses on developing the skills needed for the labor market, aiming to equip individuals with the necessary knowledge and competencies to contribute to the country's economic growth and development.

The conflict perspective on education, as exemplified by the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, highlights the socio-political issues and inequalities within the education system. This perspective argues that education is not equally accessible to all and that it perpetuates social stratification and class divisions.

#FeesMustFall emerged in response to the rising costs of higher education and the exclusion of disadvantaged students from accessing tertiary education. The movement advocates for free education and highlights the structural barriers faced by marginalized communities in pursuing higher education. It draws attention to the unequal distribution of resources, such as quality teachers, infrastructure, and funding, which perpetuate social and economic disparities.

From a conflict perspective, education is seen as a way for the elite to maintain their power and control over society, while disadvantaging those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The #FeesMustFall movement seeks to challenge these dynamics and demand educational equity and accessibility for all students.