15 functions of education with references
1. Acquisition of knowledge and skills: Education provides individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to function effectively in their personal and professional lives. (Hanushek, E.A., Schwerdt, G., Woessmann, L., and Zhang, L. (2017). General Education, Vocational Education, and Labor-Market Outcomes over the Life-Cycle. Journal of Human Resources, 52(1), 48-87.)
2. Socialization: Education helps individuals learn the norms, values, and behaviors of society, allowing them to integrate and interact effectively with others. (Durkheim, E. (1898). Education as a Factor in Social Integration. In É. Durkheim (Ed.). Education and Sociology (pp. 98-122). Routledge.)
3. Personal Development: Education contributes to the personal growth and development of individuals, shaping their attitudes, values, and character. (Fullan, M. (2001). Leading in a Culture of Change. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.)
4. Empowerment: Education empowers individuals by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions and take control of their lives. (Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Herder and Herder.)
5. Economic growth: Education is essential for economic growth as it can increase productivity, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills in individuals and societies as a whole. (Barro, R.J., and Lee, J.W. (2013). A New Data Set of Educational Attainment in the World, 1950–2010. Journal of Development Economics, 104, 184-198.)
6. Reduction of poverty: Education can help break the cycle of poverty by providing individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to access better job opportunities. (Psacharopoulos, G. (1994). Returns to Investment in Education: A Global Update. World Development, 22(9), 1325-1343.)
7. Health and well-being: Education is linked to better health outcomes, as it enables individuals to make healthier choices and access healthcare services. (Cutler, D.M., and Lleras-Muney, A. (2008). Education and Health: Evaluating Theories and Evidence. National Bureau of Economic Research, Working Paper No. W12352.)
8. Democracy and civic engagement: Education plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values, active citizenship, and civic engagement by empowering individuals to understand and participate in political and social processes. (Banks, J.A. (2007). Educating Citizens in a Multicultural Society. New York: Teachers College Press.)
9. Cultural preservation and diversity: Education contributes to the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage, promoting diversity and intercultural understanding. (UNESCO. (2015). Education for Sustainable Development Goals: Learning Objectives.)
10. Social mobility: Education can provide individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities for upward social mobility, breaking down barriers to social and economic advancement. (Hout, M. (2012). Social and Economic Returns to College Education in the United States. Annual Review of Sociology, 38, 379-400.)
11. Critical thinking and problem-solving: Education fosters critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. (Paul, R., and Elder, L. (2006). Critical Thinking: The Nature of Critical and Creative Thought. Journal of Developmental Education, 30(2), 34-35.)
12. Citizenship education: Education prepares individuals to become active and responsible citizens by providing them with the knowledge and skills needed to participate effectively in society. (Citizenship Education International. (2019). Citizenship Education: Global Initiatives and Trends. Paris: UNESCO.)
13. Environmental sustainability: Education promotes awareness of environmental issues and encourages individuals to adopt behaviors that contribute to sustainable development. (United Nations. (2019). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2019. New York: United Nations.)
14. Personal fulfillment and quality of life: Education enhances personal fulfillment and overall quality of life by expanding individuals' horizons, providing opportunities for self-expression, and fostering a sense of purpose. (Nussbaum, M.C. (2010). Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton: Princeton University Press.)
15. Peace and conflict resolution: Education plays a significant role in promoting peace and resolving conflicts through the development of tolerance, empathy, and understanding among individuals and communities. (UNESCO. (2020). Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy. Paris: UNESCO.)