EDUCATION: marxist theory

Question 1

What 3 things did Althusser conclude about education?

Answer 1

1) Ideological state apparatus
2) Reproduction of social class inequality
3) Legitimation of social class inequality

Question 2

Explain Althusser’s idea of Ideological state apparatus

Answer 2

Education is a facility used by the bourgeoisie to oppress the proletariat through by controlling their ideas.

Question 3

Explain Althusser’s idea of reproduction of social class inequality

Answer 3

The education system reproduces class inequality by failing each generation of the working class.

Question 4

Explain Althusser’s idea of legitimation of social class inequality

Answer 4

Makes inequalities seem factual rather than bourgeoisie ideology.
Convinces people that failure is the fault of the individual, not capitalism.

Question 5

What 2 ideas did Bowles & Gintis conclude about the education system?

Answer 5

1) Myth of meritocracy

2) Hidden curriculum

Question 6

What is meant by Bowles & Gintis’ idea of the hidden curriculum?

Answer 6

Through everysay workings of the school, pupils learn to accept; competition, hierarchy & alienation.

Question 7

What is meant by the myth of meritocracy put forward by Bowles & Gintis?

Answer 7

Education produces ideology that inequality is fair/natural.

The system is not meritocratic it just appears that way.

Question 8

What are the 5 parts of the correspondence principle?

Answer 8

1) Hierarchy of authority
2) Alienation
3) Extrinsic satisfaction
4) Fragmentation of knowledge
5) Competition and division

Question 9

What is the correspondence principle?

Answer 9

Schools are structured to mirror the workplace, preparing students for their future exploitation.