EDUCATION - New Right Theories

Question 1

How is the New Right View similar to the Functionalist views?

Answer 1

They both link to meritocracy and support role allocation and the idea of ‘human capital’ in society. They both also link to socialising pupils in the norms and values of society.

Question 2

What are 4 key words that sum up the New Right View?

Answer 2

1. Parentocracy - Choice
2. Meritocracy
3. Competitiveness - Vouchers + schools should not be controlled by the central government
4. Prosperity

Question 3

What are the four main points that the New Right (NR) say about the role of education?

Answer 3

1. Competition is good
2. The education system is failing
3. Education is the key to success
4. Education is the key to economic success

Question 4

What do Chubb and Moe say about education? HINT = Parentocracy

Answer 4

They believed the education system should be reorganised to put the parents in control - parentocracy. They believe parents should be offered ‘education vouchers’ where they can choose to ‘spend’ them. They argued that the reason private schools (in the USA) performed better thank public schools sector was because the schools were answerable to paying parents (who expected good results). The more the education system could follow this model, the better they would become.

Question 5

What do the New Right say about competition?

Answer 5

They say that schools should compete against one another and parents and pupils should be seen as consumers = Reassures society that the most skilled will come out on top (links to role allocation).