Final answer:
Symbolic interactionism views schools as important settings for social interaction and the development of self-concepts. Conflict theory argues that schools perpetuate class differences through resource allocation and testing, reinforcing existing social inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proponents of symbolic interactionism see schools as arenas for social interaction where students and teachers create and interpret symbols, which in turn can form self-concepts and identities. In the context of symbolic interactionism, the role of the school is to provide a social platform for learning, emphasizing the importance of relationships and interactions in the development of individual identity.
From a conflict theory perspective, schools are perceived as instruments for perpetuating social inequalities. According to conflict theorists, one way that your school might perpetuate class differences is through the allocation of resources, which tends to favor students from more affluent backgrounds. This is manifested in the types of extracurricular activities available, the quality of educational materials, and even the condition of the school facilities themselves. Testing is another area where conflict theorists feel inequalities are perpetuated, as students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not have the same access to preparatory resources, leading to poorer test scores and thus reinforcing class boundaries.
In terms of educational inequality, conflict theorists argue that the educational system reinforces and perpetuates existing social hierarchies by directing students from different socioeconomic backgrounds into divergent paths that confirm their class status. For instance, children from wealthier families may have better opportunities for higher education and prestigious jobs, while those from poorer backgrounds are often geared towards less prestigious and lower-paying positions, thereby maintaining the socioeconomic status quo.