Marxism Function of Education

Question 1

Willis

Education reproduces and reinforces inequality

Answer 1

Role:
Shows how working-class kids resist school but still end up in working-class jobs.

Evidence:

“Lads” reject school.
Prefer manual work, not qualifications.
Think school is unfair → resist.
Reproduces Class Inequality:

Fail school → go into low-paid jobs.

Question 2

Bourdieu

Reproduces class inequality by reinforcing and rewarding the culture of middle and upper class

Answer 2

Role:
Education favours middle-class culture.

Evidence:

Middle-class have ‘cultural capital’ (skills, tastes).
Working-class don’t “fit” school.
Reproduces Class Inequality:

Working-class fail → system blames them, not unfair rules.

Question 3

Althusser

Justifies class inequality and allows ruling class to control masses through ideological control Capitalism reinforced

Answer 3

Role:
Schools brainwash students to accept capitalism.

Evidence:

Teach capitalism is normal.
Promote myth of meritocracy.
Hidden curriculum trains obedience.
Reproduces Class Inequality:

Working class believe failure is their own fault.

Question 4

Bowles and Gintis

Teaches exploitable skills and prepares students for the culture of the capitalist work force
Vocationalism= negative impact

Answer 4

Role:
Schools train obedient workers for capitalism.

Evidence:

School = workplace (hierarchy, discipline).
Rewards for following rules (grades → wages).
Reproduces Class Inequality:

Working-class kids prepared for boring, low-paid jobs.