The problem of social selection in the system of higher education in the conditions of distance learning (through the prism of Pitrim Sorokin’s theory of social mobility)

Abstract

During the quarantine of a coronavirus pandemic, distance learning does not properly perform such a function of higher education as social selection. This is illustrated through the prism of P. Sorokin’s theory of social mobility. One of the provisions of the theory assumes that the school, the institute of education is a social elevator, through which there is an upward movement, and due to the social functions of the school (testing, selection, distribution) there is the selection of the best, most skilled and talented individuals and their promotion. Distance education in the modern Ukrainian version makes the openings of the social “sieves” too large. So, firstly, not only the best and most capable can go through them, and secondly, such a system of education can lead to improper acquisition of knowledge by the students.

Key words: social selection, social sieve, social mobility, social functions of education, distance learning.