Marxist views on the education system

Question 1

Althusser - ideological state apparatus

Answer 1

• education is a ideological state apparatus
• reproduction of the ruling class ideologies and socialisation of workers into accepting this (false consciousness)
• prevents proletariat rebelling against capitalist society
• creates obedient and efficient work force for bourgeoisie to exploit

Question 2

Bowles and Gintis - hidden curriculum

Answer 2

• correspondence principle between work and school
• hidden curriculum (hierarchy at school = power relationship and hierarchy at work)
• transmits ruling class beliefs and values
• adjusting pupils to their roles in capitalist society as conformist recipients

Question 3

criticising louis althusser

Answer 3

humanities subjects often have a critical element encouraging students to examine the system

Question 4

ivan illich

Answer 4

•schools are repressive institutions which promote conformity and encourage passive acceptance - students are not encouraged to be critical and think for themselves.
•essential in producing hegemony - the dominance and acceptance in society of the ruling classes set of ideas.

Question 5

Criticising Bowles and gintis

Answer 5

the approach is too deterministic, students are capable of action and are not passive recipients of the message

Question 6

critising ivan illich

Answer 6

employers often complain that school does not produce qualified and conformist workers

Question 7

supporting louis althusser

Answer 7

the history curriculum and british values

Question 8

supporting bowles and gintis

Answer 8

the attainment gap between the working class and middle class shows the reproduction of the class system

Question 9

supporting illich

Answer 9

schools are evidently conformist - sanctions are given to those students who do not confirm, rewards to those who do