Marxist Perspective On Education

Question 1

Education reproduces inequality

Answer 1

This means that if you’re upper class the education system will help you to maintain that status. Willis says status should be kept beyond education.

Question 2

Education legitimises inequality

Answer 2

This is to make students believe that reproducing inequality is right and fair. Bowles and Gintis say this helps working class students to believe they have an equal chance of success in education along with middle class students. Private schools do better. Accepting of exploitation without them knowing.

Question 3

ISA?

Answer 3

Ideological state apparatus - do what you’re told

Question 4

RSA?

Answer 4

Repressive state apparatus - forcing to do what is required (police, army)

Question 5

Evaluation:

Answer 5

Very little research carried out, so it is seen as theoretical – but there is a problem with elitism in Britain as private schools do better than state schools in education.

Question 6

Schools uses a hidden..?

Answer 6

Curriculum. Bowles and Gintis say the hidden curriculum teaches pupils to accept hierarchy and competition. This prepares working class pupils to accept their role as exploited workers. They do this through the myth of meritocracy.