Marxist Perspective On Education

Question 1

How do Marxists view education?

Answer 1

Education is based on class division + capitalist exploitation since bourgeoise control state ran institutions

Question 2

What does Althusser argue about education?

Answer 2

• Education system (ISA) performs ‘2 Functions’
• Reproduce class inequality by transmitting it generationally onto WC
• Reproduce ideologies to hide it’s true cause

Question 3

What is the ‘Hidden Curriculum?’

Answer 3

We are taught workplace rules + behaviours through informal learning experienced at school

Question 4

Why do Postmodernists criticise Marxists views on education?

Answer 4

• ‘Correspondence principle’ is no longer relevant to a Post-Fordist economy
• Economy is now ‘flexible speculatisation’
• Education now produces diversity, not inequality

Question 5

Why do Neo-Marxists criticise Marxists views on Education?

Answer 5

• Willis believes education props up capitalism + supports ‘Myth of Meritocracy’ but rejects pupils as passive
• Study on 12 WC boys across 18 months discovered an anti-school subculture as a response to inequality