Marxism & Education

Question 1

What does Althusser mean when he says ‘school is an I.S.A’?

Answer 1

A piece of equipment used by ruling class to reinforce their n + v.

Question 2

4 key ideas of ‘Hidden curriculum’ (Bowles + Gintis)

Answer 2

1) Fragmented school day
2) Teaches to accept hierarchy
3) Produces subservient workforce
4) Motivates through rewards

Question 3

What is meant by the ‘correspondence principle’?

Answer 3

The similarities between school and work.

Question 4

What is ‘cultural capital’?

Answer 4

Middle class students having the same n + v as teachers.

Question 4

Outline 4 findings of Paul Willis’ 12 lads study

Answer 4

1) ‘Lads’ didn’t value school; had anti-school culture
2) ‘Lads’ wanted instant gratification
3) ‘Lads’ believed they were superior to teachers
4) Middle class boys wanted deferred gratification

Question 6

Hickox’s criticism of the ‘Hidden Curriculum’

Answer 6

Capitalism existed 120 years without education so does not benefit the economy.

Question 7

Reynold’s 2 criticisms of the ‘Hidden Curriculum’

Answer 7

1) Bowles + Gintis ignore formal curriculum

2) Sociology + philosophy are taught which makes critical students so can’t benefit the ruling class

Question 8

Post-modernism criticism of the ‘Hidden Curriculum’

Answer 8

Fragmentation is irrelevant and outdated

Question 9

5 Criticisms of Paul Willis’ 12 lads study

Answer 9

1) Small sample size
2) Gender blind
3) Impositional bias
4) Interviewer bias
5) Overt observation = Hawthorne effect

Question 10

Outline the procedure of Paul Willis’ 12 lads study

Answer 10

1) observed 12 working class ‘lads’ to see how they act in class (overt, non-participant observation)
2) Interviewed 12 working class ‘lads’ to gain understanding

(Triangulation)