Marxism

Question 1

Marxist theorists

Answer 1

Althusser

Bowles and gintis

Willis

Question 2

Marxism view

Answer 2

Meets needs of ruling class
Transmits ruling class ideology
Prepares workers for capitalism
Reproduces inequalities

Question 3

Althusser

Answer 3

Ideological state apparatus- ‘ smokescreen’ - meritocracy is a lie and can’t see inequalities. Includes religion, media and education.

Maintains reproduces and legitimises class inequalities by controlling ideas and beliefs.

Reproduced - transmits ideas from one generation to next

Legitimises- inevitable and persuade to accept subordinate position in society. –

Creates docile and obedient workers that does not challenge workforce

Question 4

Bowles and gintis

Answer 4

Correspondence theory - underlines hidden curriculum where there is direct correspondence between school and work

You learn things indirectly at school which can be applied at work (punctuality attendance)

Question 5

Hidden curriculum and examples

Answer 5

Conformity of society’s rules is being taught

Acceptance of hierarchy (teachers to mangers)

Motivation by rewards (grades like wages)

Question 6

Criticism

Answer 6

Neo - marxists - Willis challenges traditional - individuals are not passive (his study rejects docile and obedience)

Postmodernists - reproduces diversity not inequality. Morrow and Torres focus on non class inequalities and how it’s equally important.

Interactionists - assumes all individuals are passive vessels that accept ruling class ideology

Question 7

Willis

Answer 7

Antischool Subculture’ culture study on 12 w/c boys who broke rules because they were bored. Rejects view individuals are docile.

Question 8

How is meritocracy a myth

Answer 8

Main factor of determine success is through family/class background and not ability or educational achievement

Used to justify privelage a of higher classes by gaining them through open and fair competition.