Marxist view on education

Question 1

Marxist view on education

Answer 1

• Inequalities of social relations & production in capitalist society reproduced by education system
• Working class children left behind by the system & end up in menial jobs whilst education caters to middle/upper classes who can succeed as they are prepared to take positions of power

Question 2

Correspondence Principle (Bowles & Gintis)

Answer 2

• There is a close relationship between school & work where the school system creates obedient & docile young people, preparing them for the workforce
• Achieved through a hidden curriculum of how school is organised

Question 3

Cultural Capital (Bourdieu)

Answer 3

• Education system tricks working class into accepting failure & limited social mobility when, in reality, it is just the case that the system values culture of middle/upper classes more
• Cultural assets of wealthy regarded as worthy investment & given greater value as cultural capital. Process of cultural reproduction occurs where middle class culture gains higher status

Question 4

How can it be argued education serves capitalism

Answer 4

• Basic principles of achieving in a free market established. Work hard & efforts will lead to reward, as well as luck
• Role allocation (exams) allow getting used to losing out in life
• Takes child from the family & prepares them for standard of working in life

Or

• Inequalities of social relations reproduced in education system
• Working class children left behind by system & end up working menial jobs while middle/upper class cultures are celebrated meaning they are provided with a better quality of education, to take up positions of power in society