Marxism on socialisation Flashcards
Theoretical Views on Socialisation.
For Marxists what is society based upon?
Society is based on a social inequality (social conflict) between the ruling class (bourgeoisie) and the working class (proletariat). The role of socialisation is to pass down certain ‘capitalist’ values which only serves to benefit the ruling class.
For Marxists who does socialisation benefit?
Socialisation mainly benefits the ruling class. It acts as a form of ‘ideological brainwashing’ where individuals are socialised into understanding and to accept the underlying inequalities in society as ‘natural’ and therefore not to challenge them. This allows the ruling class to maintain their position as the ‘powerful’ and the working class exist in a false class consciousness, not aware of their exploitation, and therefore remain the ‘powerless’.
Within Marxism how do the ruling classes use their economic power?
Give two names that present this argument
The ruling class use their economic power to control social institutions and use them to spread dominant ideology through the process of socialisation. An example of this is education: the hidden curriculum in schools teaches children the values of respect for authority and hard work, which turns them into passive, obedient, hard workers (Bowles and Gintis).
For Marxists what are the agents of socialisation crucial for?
The agents of socialisation are crucial in maintaining social control, maintaining the ideology that benefits the ruling class. Examples of this ‘control through socialisation’ can be found in the family, education, religion and so on.
Why do Functionalists criticise Marxist about Socialisation?
Functionalists criticise Marxists for failing to acknowledge the positive functions of socialisation, such as in education. Without the passing on of norms and values through socialisation, society would cease to function. E.g. the hidden curriculum is crucial in preparing children for their roles as adult workers.
What do Functionalists believe about Socialisation?
Functionalists believe that society is based on a consensus and not a conflict between classes. Therefore, their view of socialisation is much more positive, but then again, Marxists would argue that Functionalists are naive to the real underlying inequalities that are existing in society.
What do Radical Feminists believe about Socialisation?
Radical feminists would argue that the Marxist view on socialisation is ‘gender blind’ and fails to acknowledge the damaging impact socialisation can have on women and this is where gender inequalities develop. They argue that gender is the key inequality in society not social class.
What do Interactionists believe about Socialisation?
Interactionists would argue against the ‘structural’ approach of this theory by arguing that it fails to recognise those who do not socialise their children into capitalist values, but more socialist values. Again, it is ignoring the role, choice and freewill of the individual (individuals are ACTIVE not PASSIVE receivers of socialisation).
What do Neo-Marxists believe about Socialisation?
Neo-Marxists agree with interactionists with the idea that individuals do have some ability to resist or rebel against the socialisation they are receiving. A good example is Willis’ study of ‘The Lads’ where the boys resisted the values within the school and created an anti-school subculture as an act of rejection and rebellion.
