education: marxist perspective

Question 1

Who proposed the concept of ideological state apparatuses?

Answer 1

Louis Althusser

Althusser introduced this concept in 1971.

Question 2

What are the two elements that Althusser claims the state consists of?

Answer 2

• Repressive state apparatuses (RSAs)
• Ideological state apparatuses (ISAs)

Question 3

What do repressive state apparatuses (RSAs) do?

Answer 3

Maintain the rule of the bourgeoisie by force or the threat of it

RSAs include institutions like the police, courts, and armed forces.

Question 4

Provide 3 examples of repressive state apparatuses (RSAs).

Answer 4

• Police
• Courts
• Armed forces

Question 5

How do repressive state apparatuses (RSAs) handle the working class?

Answer 5

They use physical coercion (force) to repress the working class.

Question 6

What do ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) do?

Answer 6

Maintain the rule of the bourgeoisie by controlling people’s ideas, values, and beliefs.

Question 7

Provide examples of ideological state apparatuses (ISAs).

Answer 7

• Religion
• Media
• Education system

Question 8

According to Althusser, what are the two functions of the education system in society?

Answer 8

• to reproduce class inequality
• to legitimise class inequality

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The ideological state apparatuses include _______.
(3 things)

Answer 9

[Religion, the media, and the education system]

Question 10

True or False: Althusser believes that the state only consists of repressive state apparatuses.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

What is the main function of repressive state apparatuses?

Answer 11

To maintain the rule of the bourgeoisie by force or by the threat of it

Question 12

Althusser’ view: explain how the education system REPRODUCE class inequality

Answer 12

by failing each successive generation of WC pupils they transmit class inequality from generation to generation

Question 13

Althusser’ view: explain how the education system LEGITIMISES / JUSTIFIES class inequality
(3 points to include)

Answer 13

-by producing ideologies that disguise its true cause.
-the function of the ideology is to persuade workers to accept that inequality is inevitable and that they deserve subordinate position in society.
-if they crept these ideas, they’re less likely to challenge or threaten capitalism

Question 14

explain how willis conducted his research
- what methods did he use? (try to mention at least 2 out of 4 things)
- who did he focus on?

Answer 14

-He used observation in class, recorded discussions, informal
interviews and diaries.

-He focused on 12 working class lads in their last
18 months at school and their first few months at work.