Marxist Approach To Education

Question 1

What do Marxists see as Britain as today ?

Answer 1

They see capitalist societies such as Britain as dominated by the ruling class

Question 2

What are the functions of education according to Marxists ? ( 4 points )

Answer 2

1. If reproduces the inequalities and social relations of production in capitalist society
2. Trains working class kids to do working class jobs whilst the elite are prepared to take up positions in society
3. Meritocracy is a myth and it persuades people to take up certain jobs
4. Rewards students with qualifications like workers with wages

Question 3

What are the criticisms of the marxist approach ? ( 3 points )

Answer 3

1. They tend to focus on class inequality and not ethnic and gender equality
2. Local education authorities do not have to abide by the capitalist curriculum
3. This research may be outdated and not applicable to the 21st century