Question

Answer the following question:
Define the word ‘Education’. State any five main functions of education.

Education is considered to be the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world.

Explain by giving any four functions of education.

Answer 1

Education is derived from the Latin word e due are which means to bring up. Thus, education can be defined as the process through which the person is brought up, in order to develop in him/her those habits and abilities which help him/her to face the future in a worthwhile manner.

Following are some of the functions of education:

1. To complete the process of socialization: It is through education that a person learns to differentiate between right and wrong and learns basic human values.
2. Transmission of cultural heritage: It is through education that culture is transmitted from one generation to another in the form of art, literature, text, religion, and philosophy.
3. Reformation of attitudes: Education helps in the reformation of already framed attitudes so that the child can develop the right attitudes and beliefs.
4. Occupational role: Education always has a utilitarian end and it enables the person to earn a livelihood by doing a productive task.
5. To instil a sense of competition: The function of education is to inculcate the sense of competition so that the student can work hard in order to perform well.

Answer 2

The main functions of education as a weapon for change are as follow:

1. It helps in changing the attitude of the people: It motivates people to favour modem ways of life and to fight against prejudice and superstition prevalent in the society.
2. It helps to fight social drawbacks: It helps people to realise that only through education, the downtrodden position can become better and social evils like gambling, drinking, untouchability, dowry and begging can be eliminated from society.
3. It helps the people to adapt to the social changes and adjust with them: Social changes occur due to changing lifestyles, changing cultural values, etc. Education helps people in accepting such changes and adjusting accordingly.
4. It helps in creating social awareness: Education imparts knowledge of right and wrong and makes people aware of their rights and duties as citizens, consumers, and social beings.
5. It helps in improving the ideology of people: It is through education that the thoughts and opinions of people can be refined and improved to widen their perspectives and accept different social changes.