postmodernist views on education Flashcards
what is postmodernism
a structure-action theory - emphasises the freedom of the individual - students should be free to choose their own style of learning
what is the world characterised by
post-fordism
careers are generally within the service-sector
education therefore should reflect this, rather than preparing students for a fordist system
four key features
consumer society
cultural diversity and hybridity
society is fragmented
hyperreality and media-saturation
how do they argue consumer society
difference between the post-modern society and modern society is that our society is consumer oriented rather than work oriented
consuming things, and leisure activities are more important today than work
pick and mix society - individuals today are free to pick their lifestyle and life course - wide range of options
the impact on education - consumer society - modern
uniformity of types of schools
1944 - secondary modern/grammar/few technical
1965 - comprehensives with a few grammars
the impact on education - consumer society - post-modern
large choice of type of school to attend - comprehensive schools/specialist schools/ faith schools/academies
privatisation & commodification of schools eg exam boards are private companies
How would marxists evaluate consumerism
it justifies privilege
middle class - have an advantage over the working class as they have cultural and social capital which allows them to have added choice over the education they receive
poverty causes failure
Stephen Ball - selection by mortgage
middle-class have more choice so consumerism within education not relevant for the lower class
How would marxism evaluate consumerism with meritocracy
the middle class are able to pay for private schools which deliver a higher quality of education - students have greater choice in further education eg places at top unis and places at best jobs
working class don’t have this - low performing schools
how do postmodernists argue diversity and hybridity
world characterised by cultural diversity and hybridity - mixing of different cultural tradition
increase in diversity of social and cultural forms:
good and services, fashion and music
impact on modern education - diversity and hybridity
education was run only in a national context
the national curriculum focused just on what Britain needed, no emphasis on languages/IT
more focused skills for production lines to work within British Industries. School funded a ‘one size fit all’ approach to education and funds school alone
impact on post-modern education - diversity and hybridity
education is much more complex due to globalisation
now more types of schools eg faith schools embrace diversity - schools under more societal pressure to be as inclusive as possible
students now preparing to become global workers so education is focused on skills to develop in international league tables such as PISA
How would functionalists argue against diversity
believe the education system should create individuals with a sense of loyalty and commitment to their society rather than global societies
UK government - British values in curriculum and school life to create value consensus
globalisation - threatening nationalism and value consensus as children taught less about the UK
how would the new right evaluate diversity
criticise relevance of globalisation as national curriculum still has more impact on what is being taught in school
strong emphasis on British history and core subjects such as maths and english - languages not used in UK school league tables
