Final answer:
Functionalism outlines several functions of education: socialization, social integration, social placement, and social and cultural innovation. Conflict theory, feminist theory, and symbolic interactionism offer different perspectives on the role and impact of education in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
From a sociological perspective, particularly in functionalism, education serves several functions for society. The manifest functions of education include socialization, where students learn societal roles; social integration, fostering a sense of community and belonging; social placement, aiding in upward social mobility; and social and cultural innovation, where education contributes to the evolution of culture and societal norms. However, not all functions of education are intended or visible; there are also latent functions that encompass the unintended and indirect outcomes of the educational system. Among the manifest functions, functions such as socialization and social placement are more directly associated with the goals of educational institutions, while cultural innovation can be seen as both a manifest and latent function, as it happens through both intentional curriculum development and less direct influences like peer interaction.
Conflict theory addresses education by highlighting how it can perpetuate social inequalities, while feminist theory focuses on how education can continue to enable gender inequalities. The symbolic interactionism approach studies classroom dynamics and how these micro-level interactions affect individuals and society as a whole.