Marxism

Question 1

What type of theory is Marxism?

Answer 1

Conflict.

Question 2

What do Marxists argue?

Answer 2

• There are two classes (proletariat and bourgeoisie)
• Bourgeoisie own the means of production
• The main function of education is to reproduce the inequalities in society

Question 3

What is Capitalism?

Answer 3

An economic system based on the private ownership of businesses.

Question 4

What is an ideology?

Answer 4

A set of ideas or values.

Question 5

What is an ideological state apparatus?

Answer 5

A tool used by the state to brainwash people.

Question 6

What is a repressive state apparatus?

Answer 6

Anything that controls society through force.

Question 7

What is a false class consciousness?

Answer 7

The proletariat unaware of their exploitation from the RC.

Question 8

How do Marxists agree and disagree with Functionalists?

Answer 8

Agree education performs functions for society however argue they’re nothing the interests of the dominant bourgeoisie.

Question 9

Which Marxist talks about Social Control?

Answer 9

Althusser

Question 10

What are the key ideas of Social Control?

Answer 10

• The idea that education is an ideological state apparatus.
• Education creates a false class consciousness.
• There is a hidden curriculum taught covertly (e.g respecting the hierarchy)

Question 11

How can Social Control be evaluated?

Answer 11

• Functionalists reject this idea and believe the it is far too negative.
• Respecting the hierarchy encourages people to work harder to achieve status.
• Social Solidarity is created.

Question 12

Which Marxists talk about Specialist Skills?

Answer 12

Bowles and Gintis

Question 13

What are the key concepts of Specialist Skills?

Answer 13

• Capitalism needs workers with obedient attitudes.
• Workers need to be passive and docile.
• The school teaches the correspondence principle.

Question 14

What is the correspondence principle?

Answer 14

The school mirrors the workplace.

Question 15

What are examples of the correspondence principle?

Answer 15

Hierarchy of head teacher = Hierarchy of CEO

External rewards being the value of a grade = Performance related bonuses

Dress code being uniform = Dress code being smart or having a uniform too

Question 16

How can specialist skills be criticised?

Answer 16

Postmodernists argue society is completely different and that new skills are taught such as being creative and flexible.

Question 17

What is Secondary Socialisation for Marxists?

Answer 17

Schools pass on capitalist values that benefit the bourgeoisie

Question 18

What is an example of a capitalist value?

Answer 18

Meritocracy

Question 19

What do Marxists believe success is actually based on?

Answer 19

Class background

Question 20

How can Secondary Socialisation be criticised?

Answer 20

• Functionalists believe in meritocracy and every student has a fair chance to succeed based on ability and effort.
• Not everyone conforms to these values (i.e Paul Willis lads’)

Question 21

How do Bowles and Gintis describe Sifting and Sorting?

Answer 21

• Pupils are allocated roles based on their class.
• Stephen Ball found students were placed in sets based on class
• Obedient students got better grades