Marxism in Edu. Flashcards
What do Marxists argue about edu.
to produce an EFFICIENT, SUBMISSIVE & OBEDIANT workforce to help maintain the unequal capitalist society.
Education is the ideological tool that controls the way the W/C think.
Who are the main Marxist thinkers
Althusser, Bowles & Gintis, Willis
What did Althusser argue education does
Is an ideological state apparatus to promote bourgeoisie norms and values to the proletariat. The Govt. and teachers control the masses by teaching the ideas of the ruling class, so the working class don’t realise they’re being exploited.
How does the ISA operate in edu.
- transmits a general ideology which states capitalism is justified, reasonable
- the fairest way to organise society
- schools encourage students to passively accept their future roles.
What is the repressive state apparatus
physical control through institutions like the justice system and the army.
The more effective the ISA, the less the RSA needs to do
How does education legitimise the existing class structure
Confirms pupils current social class as the one they'll end up in. Those who fail in edu. are blamed for their own 'lack of ability and effort', rather than considering material and cultural barriers in school.
What do Bowles and Gintis argue in edu.
They researched schools in USA and concluded the role of education is REPRODUCTION OF THE WORKFORCE.
Capitalism requires a workforce with the attitudes and personalities suited to their job; much of the work people do is ALIENATING (isolating, lacking power) and so they’re EXPLOITED.
What does the hidden curriculum do, according to Bowles and Gintis
it reflects R/C norms and values
What’s Bowles & Gintis’ Correspondence theory
When education mirrors aspects of the workplace and wider society.
Examples include: uniform, rewards/sanctions, hierarchy, fragmentation etc
It means students out of school, going into work, will be obedient and conform to the structure of the workplace.
What’s the myth of meritocracy
Marxists argue education isn’t meritocratic and that it’s a way to legitimise R/C superior position in society. M/C can afford the material and cultural capital to get into better schools and have the resources to get higher grades, therefore, having a better future. W/C at the bottom will stay at the bottom.
