role of education Flashcards
what are the 4 points of view for the role of education
marxist
functionalist
new right
postmodernist
There are 4 sociologist point of views who all hold a view on the role of education. Name all 4 and their view
functionalist- Education helps society function and serves the economy
Marxist- legitimises class inequality and prevent rebellion
New right- the state fails to run education so it should be run through parentocracy
post modernist- education is becoming more diverse
who is the founder of functionalism
Durkheim
FUNCTIONALISM - what is social solidarity? What sociologist says this?
Give example
Durkheim
when individuals feel to be part of a single body, without it society would fail.
E.g. learning a countried history instils a collective shared heritage.
FUNCTIONALISM DURKHEIM - how does school act as a mini society.
Give an example-
school prepares us for wider society by making school similar to a work place
-uniform, working with people who aren’t friends nor family, someone in charge
FUNCTIONALISM- what is parsons idea of school acting as a bridge
Parsons says school acts as a bridge from family to society.
Needed as family rules and norms are biased- for example, rules are different for different family members. Where as school and work- rules are the same for everyone.
FUNCTIONALISM- what is the role allocation idea
The idea of schools selecting and allocating pupils for their future work role. Assess individual abilities and match them to the job they are best suited to.
what is a similarity between the new right and the functionalist view
both believe school should socialise pupils into shared values- competition and national identity.
some pupils are naturally more able than others
why do the new right think the state cant run education
because the needs of the consumers of education are disregarded. Meaning lower standards for pupils
NEW RIGHT- what is the consumer choice
An education market where parents would be the schools main source of income-forcing schools to be more responsive to parents wishes
New right- what are the believed two roles for the state
1- publish Ofsted, league tables to give parents information to make a choice between schools
2- national curriculum- transmit a shared culture and ensure a single body.
MARXISM- marx believe the state uses repressive and ideological state apparatus to keep the capitalist class in power. describe these two elements
Repressive state apparatus
- maintain by using the capitalist class threats. e.g police courts army, used to physically repress the working class
- Ideological state apparatus- the capitalist class control people’s values and beliefs. e.g. education system, media.
Marxism- How does education reproduce and legitimise class inequality
Reproduction- failing each successive generation of w/c repeatedly
Legitimisation- producing false ideolgies, inequality is inevitable and they deserve their poor position in society- makes them accept hard work and low pay
MARXIST EXAMPLE FOR EXAMS- BOWLES AND GINTIS NEW YORK STUDY.
What is this study
studied new york students and found that behaviour suitable for a compliant workforce is rewarded. E.g- kids who shows obedience got high grades.
MARXISM- what is the correspondence principle
Bowles and Gintis- school and workplace share close parallels such as-
Hierarchy: teachers and managers
Competition among students, competition between different work forces
