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Scholastic Competition: A Latent Function of Education?
Educational Philosophy and Theory
This book examines the interaction of education and other elements in our culture. The social system of education is seen as similar to that of such other formal social institutions as business. Moreover, an understanding of the role and function of education can be achieved through an application of social science theory and research findings. Throughout the frame of reference is that of the analysis of change. The volume contains chapters on role theory, the concept of bureaucracy, and functionalism; social stratification, social mobility, and community organization; and the development of creativity, education and student values, and selected "social revolutions." (NH)
'Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure.' In The Theory of the Leisure Class Thorstein Veblen sets out 'to discuss the place and value of the leisure class as an economic factor in modern life'. In so doing he produced a landmark study of affluent American society that exposes, with brilliant ruthlessness, the habits of production and waste that link invidious business tactics and barbaric social behaviour. Veblen's analysis of the evolutionary process sees greed as the overriding motive in the modern economy; with an impartial gaze he examines the human cost paid when social institutions exploit the consumption of unessential goods for the sake of personal profit. Fashion, beauty, animals, sports, the home, the clergy, scholars - all are assessed for their true usefulness and found wanting. The targets of Veblen's coruscating satire are as evident today as they were a century ago, and his book still has the power to shock and enlighten. Veblen's uncompromising arguments and the influential literary force of his writing are assessed in Martha Banta's Introduction.
Social 7%eoTy and Social Structure Part 1 of the above work, together with two new chapters, has been reprinted under the title, On 7koretical Sociulogy
- R K Merton
MERTON, R. K. Social 7%eoTy and Social Structure. The Free Press, New York (1957). Part 1 of the above work, together with two new chapters, has been reprinted under the title, On 7koretical Sociulogy. The Free Press, New York (1967).
The Theory of the Leisure Class, pp. 73-14. The Modern Library
- T Veblen
VEBLEN, T. The Theory of the Leisure Class, pp. 73-14. The Modern Library, New York (1 934).
Quoted by Merton, op
- G M Mead
- Justice
MEAD, G. M. m e Psychology of Punitive Justice. Quoted by Merton, op. cit. p. 45. COLEMAN, J. S. 7he Adolescent Sociefy. The Free Press, New York (1 961).
The Adolescent Society
- J. S. COLEMAN
73-74. The Modern Library
- T Veblen