Marxism (education)

Question 1

Althusser

Answer 1

Education is an idealogical state apparatus - a tool used by government to teach ruling class ideas like capitalism is good or the only option. Education ensures that each generation sees capitalism as inevitable or functional. Education socialises us to accept inequality via the hidden curriculum.

Question 2

Bowles and Gintis

Answer 2

Education issues about transmitting good worker attitudes. Capitalism requires a passive and docile workforce that will accept low paid, low skilled jobs. It’s in education where children learn to submit to authority and tolerate boredom.

Question 3

Bourdieu

Answer 3

He’s influenced by the idea of capital (advantage). Middle class have cultural capital. They have norms,attitudes and knowledge that give their children an education advantage - working class experience symbolic violence, their culture is devalued or belittled. Habitus is the expectations of your social group

Question 4

Finn and Cohen

Answer 4

Some vocational courses tend to be over concentrated with pupils from working class and minority backgrounds. The only skills developed were relevant. For low paid jobs with poor prospects of advancement.