Additional Theories - Social Democratic Approach, Liberal Perspective Flashcards
Who are the social democrats?
Marxist left wing labour political perspective
What do social democrats emphasis?
The need for equality of opportunity and welfare provision - not everyone has the same start in life, some are disadvantaged
What do the government need to create?
‘A level playing field’ so everyone has an equal chance to succeed at school
How can the government achieve ‘a level playing field’?
Through positive discrimination - the government should target students from disadvantaged backgrounds and provide extra support in schools
Unlike Marxists, what do social democrats suggest?
Ways of ending social inequalities and strategies to tackle the disadvantages faced by working class students
What might positive discrimination not do?
Not improve educational achievement - stigma (shame) means many pupils don’t take it because they worry they’ll be laughed at or bullied
Why is it debatable as to whether education can fix inequality in wider society?
Policies changes help children at school but policies cannot change how parents socialise or motive their children at home
What does the liberal perspective believe?
Believe education should be for the benefit of the individual not the employers or wider society
What are the liberal perspective critical of?
Critical of mainstream schools because students are ‘spoon-fed’, believe students should guide their own learning
What do the liberal perspective support?
Support de-schooling and want to get rid of mainstream schools and let children take control of their learning
What do Marxists argue about the liberal views of education?
Argue liberal views tend to ignore the inequalities in society
