Perceptions of Social Disadvantage

An important function of education is to enable all learners to claim their rights as well as to contribute to society.In the changing society,there is shift in focus within the school system in response to socio-economic changes.The problem of class,caste,religion conflicts have put in tremendous pressure for change upon our school education along with the learner.The nature and process of learning,the concept of a teacher in a changing society has undergone a shift.This book focuses on perceptions of social disadvantage.The responses of participants emphasized on importance of education and its role in their lives. But the focus now required to be shifted to look as to how classroom is conducted and the existing teacher education programmes. The focus of these programmes should be on development of a school and classroom climate of mutual trust, collaboration, cooperation,participation,exchange of ideas so as to leading to appreciation of values and removal of prejudices. Thus there is a need to look at not just perceptions of people about social disadvantage but also factors that are linked to it and education as an integrated whole.