School as a social space construction of self: A sociological study

Abstract

Schools are not just places where children acquire knowledge and develop skills; they also function as social spaces. Children grow up in a social space that is deeply interconnected with their lives and society. It serves as a hub for the transmission of knowledge and the formation of the self. Schools also play a crucial role as a central gathering point for local communities. Interaction with others within the school contributes to the formulation of “self” and the holistic development of students. It enables the student to go beyond the particularistic values of family/kinship ties and adopt universalistic values without which modern complex society cannot function. Education in these settings is closely linked to the community and its traditions. Sociologists have adopted the cumbersome term "socialization" to designate the broad process of acquiring knowledge, values and skills through a variety of avenues. Classroom teaching of subject matter is only one of these avenues. This paper analyses how schools are necessary for bringing about social transformation through interaction. This paper investigates how schools function as a social space and the construction of self and social identity. The paper first maps out the kinds of socialization that occur in schools through cultural integration and practices. It explores the child’s construction of knowledge from a socio-cultural context. The present paper uses secondary data for analysis as a mini review on the topic. The researcher suggested that there are two general sources of influence: interaction with socializing agents (teachers, administrators, guidance counsellors, local community members, etc.) and local culture, which improves a sense of identity for students.

Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 13, Issue-2-3: 39-44.