New Right Perspective On Education Flashcards
What is ‘Neoliberalism?’
- Economic philosophy which had major influence on education policy
- State should not provide services
- Encourage competition amongst businesses + markets
How has ‘Neoliberalism’ influenced education?
- Influenced mainly Conservative governments
- Value of education lies in how it produces competition in a global marketplace
- Schools must become more business-like to drive up standards
What are the ‘Two important roles’ the state performs for education? (FT)
- Framework for schools to complete; E.g. Ofsted reports + League tables
- Transmits shared culture; E.g. National Curriculum
How are New Right views similar to Functionalist in education?
- Some pupils are more naturally talented
- Education system runs on meritocratic principles of open competition
- Education serves the needs of the economy
- Socialises pupil’s into shared collective values
What’s the difference between New Right and Functionalist views on education?
1979 Conservatives gained power + believed education system hadn’t achieved it’s goals
What was the ‘New Vocationalism?’
- NR critical of state education failing to produce pupils with necessary skills
- Range of vocational courses introduced; E.g. GNVQ courses + YTS
What were the GNVQ courses?
- General National Vocational Qualification
- Aimed to prepare pupils for work by teaching job-specific skills + workplace experience
What was the YTS?
- Youth Training Scheme
- Combined work experience with education for unemployed school leavers
- Provided skills to help them find employment
Why was the New Right critical of education?
- Run by the state
- Private schools deliver higher quality of education since they answer to the consumers
- State cannot meet peoples’ needs
What is ‘Marketisation?’
- ‘Education market’
- NR believe competition should be created between schools to make education more business-like
- Compete to attract ‘customers’
What is ‘Parentocracy?’
- Empower parents to become consumers to transform the education marketplace
- NR believed it would bring greater diversity to schools
What does Lawton argue about the ‘National Curriculum?’
- Undermined local democratic control of education + teaching professions
- Government control had neglected important areas of learning
What does Johnson argue about the ‘National Curriculum?’
Single curriculum for all pupils based on a single culture does not encourage equality + opportunity
What are the criticisms of ‘League Tables?’
Conceal under-performing schools in advantaged MC areas + well-performing schools in WC areas
What are the criticisms of ‘Popular Schools?’
- Popular schools attract better qualified teachers + MC pupils
- Unpopular schools lose income + find it difficult to match teacher skills to rivals
