a) Globalization:
The world has been referred to as a global village. This means that what happens in one region of the world has an influence on other regions and is also likely to be repeated in other parts of the world. Since communication networks have improved, ideas are easily disseminated and shared between regions. Further, one can communicate with, and get information from, any part of the world. With the influence of mass media like television and radio, the Internet and satellites, it is easy to borrow ideas and to change people's views, perception and structures. In Kenya, for instance, some youths ape the dressing and behaviour of Western celebrities. Some values that society stressed previously - such as respect for elders and honesty - are seen in many instances as archaic. There is a lot of emphasis on materialism.
b) Technology:
Social changes occur when people find new ways to manipulate their environment. The knowledge and tools that people use to manipulate their environment tor practical purposes is called technology. Society and schools must be prepared for the changes in lifestyle occasioned by technological changes. Many schools in Kenya are encouraging students to be technologically literate. The use of computers in schools and student research work based on information from the internet are becoming common.
c) Economic/Social Hardships:
Changes in the economic wellbeing of a country have a major influence on society and education. In Kenya, the economy has not been able to meet the demand for jobs by our well educated and highly trained young men and. women. Many of them are walking the .streets of urban' areas. Others are resorting to anti-social activities such as .crime and drug abuse. Inflation has had a major influence on education in Kenya. In 1993, inflation became a reality to many Kenyans when prices of most commodities soared. Many students dropped out "of school due because they could not afford the fees.
Widespread poverty is currently forcing many students out of school. Major causes of this’ poverty are unemployment and retrenchment of breadwinners from their jobs. Unemployed youths have become dependent, with some turning to crime and other social vices to make ends meet.
d) Changes in the Family Unit:
The family is a major social unit. It is within the family that most children learn the values and norms of society (Thomas, 1995). However, various changes have occurred in the family unit. Most of the close knit social structure of the traditional era no longer exist traditional family solidarity has been weakened. In most parts of the world, the extended family unit that offered much support to its members has disintegrated and has been replaced by the nuclear family in which parents have sometimes been too busy trying to make ends meet. This has affected the family negatively, particularly children. In most communities, emphasis is on individualism rather than the well-being of the entire community. Traditional societies valued children very much. They were seen as perpetuators of what was best in the community. On the contrary, present day society does not value children much. They have become victims of rape, murder and abduction, even family members and close relatives.
e) Changes in Societal Values and Beliefs:
The cultural interaction factor in social change provides that if and when human beings from different cultures interact, cultural exchange occurs. If one culture is more dominant than the other, the weaker one gets absorbed.
Sometimes, there are fundamental differences between the cultural traits valued by the school system and those valued by traditional society. The importance of competition, is one significant area of disagreement. Schools 'view competition as positive and healthy. One of the educational goals in Kenya is providing students with necessary tools to compete in the market economy. Achievement is measured on the basis of grades. In some Kenyan communities, achievement is not based. on competition but cooperation.
f) Emerging Problems:
Emerging social problems have called for new approaches towards solutions. Rising HIV infection has demanded change in cultural practice and behaviour. People have been forced to rethink practices like wife inheritance, sexual promiscuity, and sharing of instruments such as blades and needles. The number of children orphaned by HIV/Aids and wars has risen in many African countries. This has led to newer approaches in caring for orphans. The mushrooming of orphanages to care for these children is foreign. In the traditional set-up, orphans were a responsibility of the community, particularly Members of the immediate family and close relatives.
g) Aging:
In traditional society, old age was a lime of great respect. The aged were treated respectfully and were consulted. They were seen as preservers of the society's heritage, sources of knowledge and enforcers of social customs. In modern society, the old suffer various challenges that did not exist before. Most of them live in rural areas while the young are in urban centers. Consequently, many elderly persons lack frequent communication with their children and grandchildren. As people become more individualistic and materialistic, they have less time for the elderly. Often, these senior citizens are neglected or taken to homes for the elderly.
Employment opportunities decline with age. The closer one approaches retirement age, the more difficult it is to find re-employment. Traditional societies regarded old as wise. Modern societies regard it as a burden.
francis1897 answered the question on August 22, 2022 at 12:19