Marxists Role of Education Flashcards
What does Marx argue?
Education is based on class divisions and exploitation
What is an example of Marx education?
Schools spread the “myth of meritocracy” where they ‘prove’ there’s an equal chance on effort and ability.
Work hard = great job
What is the critique of Marx?
Marrow & Torres - Ethnicity, gender, sexuality, is as equally important
Must explain how education reproduces all forms of inequality
What does Althusser argue?
The state has 2 elements to maintain capitalist power
Repressive state apparatuses
Ideological state apparatuses
What is the Repressive state apparatus?
To repress W/C with force + threat via police, army.
What is the ideological state apparatus?
To control W/C with ideas, values, beliefs via religion, media, education system
What is an example of Althusser?
Schools teach Obedience, Respect, Failure is your fault
What’s Althusser critique?
Willis - Laddish subcultures
Not all W/C conform; truancy, drink, smoke
But, they turn to heavy labour jobs willingly, what capitalism needs
What does Bowles & Gintis argue?
School mirrors workplace (correspondence principle)
What do Bowles & Gintis say about the workplace?
Capitalism must have a workforce of
- personalities, behaviour, attitudes suitable to the job type
What are some examples for Bowles & Gintis?
Hierarchy of authority in workplace & school
- employees obey manager, pupils obey teachers
Satisfaction in workplace & school
- through the pay, grades
Division in workplace & school
- different departments, low + high tier sets
Explain the study for Bowles and Gintis
Highschool study
Schools reward personality traits over academic ability
Low grades = Independent, creative students
High grades = Obedient, disciplined, passive
What is the critique for Bowles and Gintis?
Fordist economy
Education system produces diversity, not inequality
What is the Hidden Curriculum?
Education that is not taught in the formal curriculum
- Reward punctuality, punish lateness
- Teach obedience + to accept their hierarchy
- Reward individualism; trips, grades + pit against peers
