marxism

Question 1

what do bowles and gintis argue?

Answer 1

there is a close relationship between social relationships in the workplace and in education - correspondence principle - essential for social reproduction (the reproduction of new generations of workers appropriately schooled to accept their roles in capitalist society)

Question 2

who does the education operate in the interests of?

Answer 2

those who control the workforce - the capitalist class

Question 3

who did bowles and gintis study?

Answer 3

237 new york high school stundents - measured students personality traits that make submissive works - obedient students tended to gain higher grades

Question 4

what do they argue about meritocracy?

Answer 4

it’s a myth and in reality class background determines how well a person does

Question 5

evaluation

Answer 5

• functionalists believe that education benefits society as a whole while feminists believe it benefits men rather than just the bourgeoisie
• elected local education authorities and teachers have some independence and do not have to follow the wishes of capitalists so education is solely controlled by capitalists
• some neo marxists argue the hidden curriculum isn’t always accepted

Question 6

similarities of marxism and functionalism

Answer 6

both study education by looking at its relationships with the social system
both link education with the economy
both identify a cultural reproduction role

Question 7

what does marx argue?

Answer 7

society is based on class divisions and exploitation
economic system shapes society

Question 8

2 classes according to marx

Answer 8

bourgeoisie (minority) and proletariat
bourgeoisie own the means of production and make their profits by exploiting the labour of the porletariat
proletariat forced to sell their labour power to capitalists since they own no means of production of their own and so have no other source of income
this creates conflict

Question 9

what did marx think would happen?

Answer 9

the proletariat would overthrow capitalism and create a classless equal society

Question 10

what did althusser argue?

Answer 10

two functions of education
1. to reproduce class inequality
2. education legitimises class inequalities by producing ideologies that disguise its true cause

Question 11

what ideology does education socialise children into?

Answer 11

dominant ideology - leads to an obedient workforce e.g. the hidden curriculum, teaches children to obey staff, in preparation for obeying the boss

Question 12

marxist criticisms of functionalist

Answer 12

• education system disguised the fact that there is no equality of opportunity in education, and that social class, ethnicity and gender are the main influences