While man has been teaching and sharing knowledge since the beginning of existence, formal education is a more recent phenomenon. The actual structure of “school” was started by the Greeks before 5,000 years B.C. but other forms of education were taking place around the world in India, China, and the Middle East in the coming years. Since its beginning, people that were able to attend formal education were viewed as prestigious and successful, while less fortunate where thought of as incapable and incompetent in some respects. I believe that this has caused the misconception that formal education is essential for individual development, when it is only a useful part of a full repertoire of skills and knowledge for a successful and developed individual. To me, being “developed” means that it enables one to succeed in their environment. Formal education is without a doubt meaningful and convenient for anyone that takes it seriously, but it is by no means “essential” for the development of individuals. There are far too many situations and circumstances where success and development occurs from experiences that aren’t exactly “formal” for it to be deemed essential. Formal education is essential if all members of society are the exact same, but in reality more important factors include the specific individual, their personality, attitude, mindset, and societal situations.
Essential is defined as “of the utmost importance; indispensible; necessary” by Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Formal education is definitely beneficial for anyone fortunate enough to participate in it and take it seriously, because it provides the learning of academic skills and knowledge that could help any individual develop intellectually. At higher levels like ...
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... could. Individuals are in charge of their own development and what comes of their life. An equal society as a whole, not just in formal education, is a necessity for development. In a world where no two people are the same, the differences in learning and personalities are far too great for a singular object such as formal education to be essential.
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Education has always been in existence in one form or another. As each child is born into this world regardless of who or where they are born, life lessons immediately begin. He/she will learn to crawl, walk, and talk by the example and encouragement of others. Although these lessons are basic in the beginning they evolve as the child grows. However, the core learning method of a child does not change. Learning from others, they will watch, listen, and then act for themselves. Thomas Jefferson believed that an education would lead men and women to the ability to be self-governed and become positive contributors to society (Mondale & Patton, 2001). Today, we can see how true this is by the examples of others. Those that are given the opportunity for education are more likely to find jobs and develop skills that not only improve a community, but influence the economic growth of their nation (Ravitch, Cortese, West, Carmichael, Andere, & Munson, 2009, p. 13). On the other hand, if an education is not provided to individuals, they can become a hindrance to that nation’s growth.
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...of formal education. Which is why some people believe education is a privilege, without it life would be ruined and would be tough to live through.
The role of education can be explained using the two contrasting theories. Functionalism focuses on what compulsory education offers greater society; schools sort young people by their abilities, talents and capabilities, and students with these qualities will inarguably achieve more throughout their education than those without them, regardless of their socio-economic background (Holmes 2015). Haralambos also writes of two functionalist ideas: Primary
Education is a vital part of society. It serves the beneficial purpose of educating our children and getting them ready to be productive adults in today's society. But, the social institution of education is not without its problems. Continual efforts to modify and improve the system need to be made, if we are to reap the highest benefits that education has to offer to our children and our society as a whole.