the Marxist Approach

Question 1

What kind of theory is Marxism?

Answer 1

A conflict theory

Question 2

What do Marxists believe?

Answer 2

1. Our capitalist society leads to inequality between social classes
2. The two social classes are bourgeoisie (bosses) and proletariat (workers)
3. The bourgeoisie own the means of production and exploit the proletariat
4. The proletariat are brainwashed into thinking this is normal and beneficial for them

Question 3

What are the main purposes of education according to Marx?

Answer 3

1. Reproduction of class inequalities
2. Legitimisation of inequality through myth of meritocracy (makes WC people accept their inferior place)

Question 4

What are the key aims of education according to Althusser?

Answer 4

1. Reproduction of labour power
2. Controlling the proletariat
3. Maintain, legitimise and reproduce class inequality

Question 5

How is reproduction of labour power achieved, according to Althusser?

Answer 5

1. Reproduction of skills necessary for efficient labour force
2. Reproduction of ruling class ideology

Question 6

What is the main function of education according to Althusser and how is it achieved?

Answer 6

Transmission of shared values: through education system as ISA (control ideas, values and beliefs)

Question 7

According to Althusser, how does education maintain, legitimise and reproduce class inequalities?

Answer 7

Transmitting RC values disguised as common values

Question 8

According to Althusser, what does the hidden curriculum do?

Answer 8

It encourages WC pupils to conform to the capitalist system and accept the inequality uncritically

Question 9

What does Bourdieu say about inequality in the education system (Marxism)

Answer 9

1. The system is built by and for the middle classes (cultural attributes of WC are rejected)
2. RC succeed by default rather than ability since their cultural capital is seen as more worthy of investment and reward

Question 10

According to Bowles & Gintis, what does the education system reproduce?

Answer 10

An obedient workforce that accepts inequality

Question 11

What did Bowles & Gintis find in their NY study?

Answer 11

1. Obedient traits were rewarded (high grades)
2. Creative and independent traits were punished (low grades)

Question 12

What is the correspondence theory?

Answer 12

What goes on in school directly reflects the world of work
E.g. punctuality, teamwork, hierarchy system, competition
This means: teachers = bosses, students = workers that work for rewards

Question 13

According to B&G, how is inequality disguised?

Answer 13

Myth of meritocracy

Question 14

According to B&G, what does the school make the pupils into?

Answer 14

Workers ready for the capitalist society

Question 15

Three baseline thoughts of Marxists about the education system

Answer 15

1. It disguises and legitimises inequality
2. It creates workers for capitalist society
3. It isn’t necessarily about intellect but conformity

Question 16

What supports B&G’s view?

Answer 16

1. Employers have increasingly more say in organisation of curriculum
2. Freedom of teachers is restricted by NC
3. More vocational courses are being developed

Question 17

What does Reynolds criticise about B&G’s view?

Answer 17

1. Curriculum does not teach skills needed by employers
2. Lack of correspondence: how can soc be a subject if schools are developing mindless workers?

Question 18

What does Brown criticise about B&G’s view?

Answer 18

1. Modern businesses require creativity and teamwork which is not encouraged by exams
2. Therefore lack of correspondence

Question 19

What does Willis criticise about B&G’s view?

Answer 19

Anti-school subcultures proof that some pupils have little regard for school rules (no social solidarity)

Question 20

What do B&G say about the myth of meritocracy?

Answer 20

1. Education uses it to prevent rebellion of WC people against unfair system
2. It justifies privileges of upper class
3. It persuades WC to accept inequality

Question 21

What does Willis say about the myth of meritocracy?

Answer 21

1. Study shows: pupils can resist attempts to indoctrinate them (anti-school subcultures)
2. This is similar to male manual workers
3. Subcultures can help slot into capitalist jobs

Question 22

What is Marxism in regard to education useful for?

Answer 22

Exposing the myth of meritocracy

Question 23

What are criticisms of Marxism in regard to education?

Answer 23

1. Not comprehensive in understanding behaviour
2. Ignores inequality based on gender and ethnicity
3. Out of date: more flexible, diverse workforce needed
4. Education responds to diversity and does not produce inequality