Is Education Is Based On Meritocratic Values

Question 1

Meritocracy

Answer 1

Meritocracy is a society where success and status in life are dependent on an individual’s talent and achievement rather than social status.

Question 2

Meritocracy (beliefs?)

Answer 2

Functionalists agree, it aligns with their belief - education is used to promote value consensus preparing for the future

Marxists disagree, ‘meritocracy is a myth’ used to maintain capitalism

Question 3

P1 - Agree
Parsons and Durkheim

Answer 3

Durkheim - Secondary socioalisation, allows children to intergrate into wider society with universalistic values - same ruules, same opportunities, creates social solidarity

Parsons - education bridges the family teaching particularistic values and society basing it on universalistic notms.

In this was education is meritocratic

Question 4

P1 - disagree
The New Right and Marxism

Answer 4

The New Right - Not meritocratic as is state run
- Uses a one size fits all approach

Marxists - the hidden curriculum overrides meritocratic principles
- Promotes ruling class ideology reinforcing social inequality