new right and education Flashcards
What was the primary focus of education policy from the 1950s to the 1980s?
Social democratic approach with state-owned and state-funded education
This period emphasized free access to education starting from 1944.
How did schools receive funding during the 1950s-1980s?
Based on the size of the schools
Schools had autonomy in deciding how to spend their allocated funds.
What significant change occurred in education in 1988?
Education needed to be marketised
This shift aimed to address accountability and prepare students for new job markets.
What is a key belief of the New Right regarding education?
Education should be meritocratic
They emphasize that all students should be assessed in the same ways.
What are the four key components of the New Right’s education policy?
- National Curriculum
- League Tables
- Parentocracy
- Formula funding
What do the New Right and Functionalism have in common?
- Some people are naturally more talented than others
- Education should be meritocratic
- Competition is good
- Education should serve the needs of the economy
- Education should socialise people into a national identity
What is a major difference between the New Right and Functionalism?
The New Right believes the education system is failing its goals
They advocate for schools to be tailored to local needs and held accountable to the community.
What method did Chubb and Moe use in their 1990 study?
Closed questionnaires and analysis of case studies
They compared the achievement of low-income families in state and private schools.
What was a key finding from Chubb and Moe’s study?
Pupils from low-income families do about 5% better in private schools than in state schools
This highlights disparities in educational opportunities.
What conclusion did Chubb and Moe reach regarding state education?
State education is ineffective in providing necessary skills for the economy
They argued that private schools deliver higher standards due to accountability to parents.
What is marketisation in education according to the New Right?
Establishing competition and accountability among schools
This aims to improve educational quality through standardized tests and league tables.
What does the term ‘Parentocracy’ refer to?
Parental choice in selecting schools for their children
It emphasizes parents’ ability to choose schools based on various factors.
What is the impact of formula funding on schools?
Creates fear of failure and spurs need for high-quality offerings
Schools must rank well to attract students and funding.
What is a potential disadvantage of league tables?
They may only benefit the Middle Class
Working-class families may have an illusion of choice.
What did Bartlett argue about failing schools?
They have fewer enrollments and thus less funding
This creates a spiral of decline, making it harder for schools to improve.
According to Ball, what is ‘parentocracy’?
A myth or illusion of choice
It suggests that not all parents have equal power or opportunity to choose schools.
