Marxism/Social Class

Question 1

Bowles & Gintis

Correspondence Principle

Answer 1

Schools reproduce ruling class ideas

Schools are not based on merit, but ideology of the ruling class to persuade students that the ruling class ideas are fair

They argued that education system was a ‘giant myth-making machine’ which brainwashed children through the hidden curriculum into the obedience and unquestioning attitude that they would need in the world of work

Pupils taught to accept place in society, believe achievements/failures are own making, taught everything is fair (based on merit) (in reality this is false)

Question 2

What is Gramsci saying

Answer 2

Gramsci says that power comes from
consent

People are unaware that they are being
controlled by ideas and beliefs

Cultural Hegemony

Question 3

TECHNICALLY FUNCTIONALIST BUT SIMILAR TO MARXIST IDEA OF LABOUR POWER

How does Human Capital
Theory relate to social class
inequality

“human capital” is similar idea to Karl Marx’s concept of labour power

Answer 3

Human capital theory assumes that education determines the marginal productivity of labour and this determines earnings

Tan (2014) writes:
* Knowledges/skills increase productivity in the
workplace
-Increased productivity brings higher salary since the wage is determined by productivity

Therefore, people would invest in education to the point where private benefits from education equal private cost

Education enhances a person’s skills leading to higher productivity level in workplace, which in turn will bring a higher wage to the person

Question 4

How does Human Capital Theory relate to Marxism

Answer 4

“human capital” is similar idea to Karl Marx’s concept of labour power

in capitalism workers sold their labor power in order to receive income (wages and salaries)