Evaluate the view that socialisation primarily benefits the ruling class Flashcards
What is the Marxist view of socialisation?
Marxists argue that socialisation is a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and control over the working class by transmitting capitalist ideologies.
Which Marxist thinker discusses ideological state apparatuses (ISAs), and what do they do?
Louis Althusser. ISAs (e.g., education, media, family) socialise individuals into accepting capitalist ideologies, ensuring the working class accepts their subordinate position.
How does the hidden curriculum in schools benefit the ruling class?
It teaches obedience, punctuality, and hierarchy, preparing children for their future roles in the workforce and reinforcing capitalist values.
What is a strength and weakness of the Marxist view of socialisation?
Strength: Highlights how socialisation perpetuates inequality and benefits the ruling class.
Weakness: Assumes individuals passively accept ideologies, ignoring resistance.
What is the functionalist view of socialisation?
Functionalists argue that socialisation benefits society by promoting social cohesion, stability, and shared norms and values.
How do Durkheim and Parsons explain the role of socialisation?
Durkheim: Socialisation transmits the collective conscience, creating solidarity.
Parsons: Socialisation ensures individuals internalize societal expectations, enabling smooth functioning of society.
How does the family contribute to socialisation?
Families teach children basic norms, such as respect and cooperation, which are necessary for social harmony.
What is a strength and weakness of the functionalist view of socialisation?
Strength: Emphasizes the positive role of socialisation in creating a stable society.
Weakness: Ignores how socialisation can reinforce inequalities, such as class or gender hierarchies.
What is the feminist view of socialisation?
Feminists argue that socialisation reinforces patriarchal norms, benefiting men and maintaining gender inequality.
What is Ann Oakley’s concept of gender role socialisation?
Families, schools, and media teach children traditional gender roles (e.g., women as nurturing, men as dominant), perpetuating male dominance.
How does toy advertising reinforce gender roles?
Girls are encouraged to play with dolls (caregiving roles), while boys are encouraged to play with action figures (strength and leadership roles).
What is a strength and weakness of the feminist view of socialisation?
Strength: Highlights how socialisation perpetuates gender inequality.
Weakness: May underestimate the role of individual agency in challenging gender norms.
