During the 19th century the Canadian government established residential schools claiming that Aboriginal culture prevented them from becoming functional members of society. It has been argued that children will have a better chance of success once they have been Christianized and assimilated into mainstream Canadian culture. (CBC, 2014) In the film Education as We See It, some Aboriginal people were interviewed about their experiences in residential schools. In examining the overall topic of the film, conflict theory is the best paradigm that will help understand the social implications of residential schools. The film can also be illustrated by many sociological concepts such as agents of socialization, class inequality, and language as a cultural realm. According to conservative conflict theory, society is a struggle for dominance between competing social groups defined by class, race, and gender. . Conflict occurs when groups compete for power and resources. (Tepperman, Albanese & Curtis 2012. p. 167) The dominant group will exploit the minority by creating rules for success in their society, denying the minority opportunities for such success, thus ensuring that they continue to monopolize power and privilege. (Crossman.nd) This paradigm was well presented throughout the film. European settlers in Canada viewed Native people as obstacles in their quest to expand by conquering resources and lands. They feared that Aboriginal practices and beliefs would disrupt the cohesion of their own society. The Canadian government adopted the method of residential schools for Aboriginal children in an effort to assimilate future generations. Children have been deprived of their native culture,...... middle of paper......d Assembly of First Nations (July 2010). First Nations control over First Nations education. Retrieved from http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/education/3._2010_july_afn_first_nations_control_of_first_nations_education_final_eng.pdfCBC (2014). A history of residential schools in Canada - Canada - CBC News. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/a-history-of-residential-schools-in-canada-1.702280Curtis, J.E., Tepperman, L., & Albanese, P. (2012). Sociology: A Canadian perspective (3rd ed.). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. Indigenous Foundations (n.d.). The residential school system. Retrieved from http://indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/home/government-policy/the-residential-school-system.htmlBob, Geraldine, and Gary Marcus. (Administrators). 1993. Education as we see it. in First Nations: The Circle Unbroken - Disc 4 [Movie]. National Film Council of Canada.