Social Policy Sociologists

Question 1

New Right

Answer 1

Criticized the comprehensive schools as there was a lack of discipline, poor results, large classes and failure to prepare pupils for the world

Question 2

Hargreaves and Ball

Answer 2

showed that class divide existed between grammar and secondary modern was reappearing within comprehensive schools

Question 3

Finn

Answer 3

argues that there is a hidden political agenda to vocational training:
• Provides cheap labour and keeps the pay rate of young workers low
• It undermines the bargaining power of the unions – only permanent workers can be members
• Reduces politically embarrassing unemployment stats
• Intended to reduce crime

Question 4

Buswell

Answer 4

training schemes reproduce gender equality – women are channelled to retail work – reflecting their position in the labour market

Question 5

Cohen

Answer 5

real purpose of vocational training is to create ‘good’ attitudes and discipline rather than job skills

Question 6

Tomlinson

Answer 6

middle class gained most from these policies and league tables have meant that much education has become ‘examination techniques’

Question 7

Bernstein

Answer 7

education cannot compensate for society’ – education will tend to reflect social inequalities rather than eliminate them