The Department of Education and Education Technology, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad, successfully organized an Extension Lecture on “Education and Socialization” on April 9, 2025, at the Conference Hall, School of Social Sciences. The guest speaker for the session was Dr. Sonia Sawhney, Assistant Professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Hyderabad. This event was made possible by the active participation and interest of our esteemed faculty members, research scholars, and students.
The lecture witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students. Dr. Sawhney delivered an insightful talk emphasizing that socialization is a lifelong process, introducing the concept of the “social mode” and underscoring the influential role of teachers as role models.
She elaborated on the agencies of socialization and discussed the role of education in this process through the formal and hidden curricula. The interrelationship between education and culture was also explored, highlighting the symbiotic connection between society and education. She further reflected on education’s individual and societal aims, stressing the importance of a balanced educational vision.
Drawing from the works of French sociologist Bourdieu, Dr. Sawhney spoke about the concept of cultural reproduction, which asserts that inequality persists despite educational efforts and that education often maintains the status quo. She explained how culture is passed on across generations and how societal structural gaps can remain unaddressed even through education.
However, the lecture also emphasized the transformative potential of education, inspiring the audience to think critically about its possibilities in fostering social change and instilling a sense of hope for a better future. The session concluded with an engaging question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to delve deeper into the ideas discussed.
The event ended with a felicitation ceremony wherein Prof. J.V. Madhusudan, Dr. Ravula Krishnaiah, Dr. T. Sumalini, Dr A S Jalandharachari, Dr. Kohila Devi R and Dr Ujjala Singh extended their heartfelt appreciation and felicitated the guest speaker for her enlightening address.
The department extended its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Sonia Sawhney for her valuable contribution and to all attendees for their active participation and insightful questions, which made the event a resounding academic success.