Society is defined as “A collection of individual who have organized themselves into a distinct group.” Culture is defined as “A kind of social cement that consists of the characteristic habits, ideas, attitudes, beliefs and ways of thinking of a particular group of people.” Now after defining society and culture we come to the real point. Following are the various social factors that provide bases for education and affect it. There are several effects of Education on our society and culture.
The relation of education with society and culture is very deep. Both are dependent on each other. The relationship between education and society has been summed up by the international commission on the development of education, (1972) as, “In our view, there is a close correlation between changes, in the Socio-economic environment and the structures and forms of action of education, which we believe makes a functional contribution to historical movement. Moreover, it seems to us that through the knowledge it provides of the environment in which it operates, education may help society to become aware of its problems”.
Education is a reflection of the social, cultural and political conditions prevailing outside. It reflects society but, in turn, it has within it the seeds of dynamics of change and thus can keep with the fast changing world.
Different social and cultural values provide basis for educational .system. The educational system of a society is a reflection of the values of that society. The philosophy of life, the way of life, various religious beliefs etc. of a society provide a base for educational system of that society. They have a direct effect on education. A Muslim society must have such educational system, which is based on the principles of Islam, and so is the case with other societies.
The function of education is not only imparting knowledge to children it has a great responsibility with the march of civilization. It is an instrument of social and cultural change. Education is expected to play an important role in tackling antisocial behavior. It is concerned with preparing the mind of the pupil and students for the right type of thinking in a society so that he may be able to solve various problems of the society amicably. Education is considered to be an important instrument of assisting people in knowing their weaknesses and enabling them to gain necessary knowledge in order to achieve progress in various spheres of their life in a systematic manner.
In a nutshell, education is an instrument of social and cultural change. It can impart knowledge, training, and skills as well as inculcate new ideas and attitudes among the young. On the other hand, it is culture and society in which education germinates and flowers. It is the culture also upon which education exerts in turn, a nourishing influence.