In the United States, from the age of five through sixteen, we are required to attend school full time. Some people further their education by attending a college or university after high school. Many people do well in education, but unfortunately others do not. When a person furthers their education by going on to a college or university, this confirms that they have studied well enough to stay in school and continue their education. Science tells us that if two highly intellectual people have children, their children have a much higher chance of being highly intellectual also. This idea is very similar to having two blue-eyed people producing blue-eyed children. However, this doesn't always happen. Separately from science, there are many different factors that influence these facts such as the school and friends. However, why do different groups of students consistently do worse than other students in education? For example, working class children, on average, do not do as well as middle class children. On average, black children do not do as well as white children (Bluhm Morley). This is proven by statistics on exam results and those pursuing higher education. By using the sociological perspective, we will look at the education system through the theories of functionalism, confliction, and symbolism. We will also observe the impacts of sociological variables in education through social class. Doing so, we'll answer a question, "How does education impact our society?"
             Functionalism is what is known as a structural theory. Functionalists see society as being structured like a human body with many interrelated parts that function together to maintain a healthy whole. Functionalists argue that for a healthy society, individuals must obey society's norms and values. We are socialized into these 'normative behaviors' that are the core of the social structure. Society needs to transmit social solidarity and value co...