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The role of education in society Flashcards

1
Q

What are 3 core functionalist believes?

A

Organic analogy
Macro
Consensus.

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2
Q

What is the organic analogy?

A

The body is like all the structures of society, each work together to function.

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3
Q

What does Macro mean?

A

It is macro because it looks at large scale structures,.

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4
Q

What does Consenus mean?

A

Society is in harmony working together for the greatest good.

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5
Q

What view do Functionalists have on society?

A

They are a conservative view of society.

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6
Q

What is Functionalists main view of education?

A

It is the transmission of society’s norms and values, without a shared system of norms and values, cooperation and social solidarity and therefore social life itself would be impossible.

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7
Q

Who are the main contributors to the functionalist view of the role of education?

A

Durkeim (1903), Parsons (1961) and Davis and Moore (1945)

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8
Q

What does Durkheim (1903) argue about the role of education?

A

Durkiem argues that education performs two basic functions: Promotes social solidarity and specialist skills

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9
Q

What does social solaridity mean?

A

(transmits societies norms and values). Teaches children to follow universalistic rules which are essental for cooperation in society.

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10
Q

What does specialist skills mean?

A

Modern economies have a strong division of labour and require specialist skills. Education can help with this because it equips individuals with specialist skills needed to participate in work in a modern economy.

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11
Q

What would Marxists say (A03) to criticize Durkheim?

A

Marxists would argue the values transmitted by education are not society’s shared values, but rather those of the ruling class.

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12
Q

Who is the sociologists that states that education puts more value on competition and developing individuals rather than social solidarity?

A

Hargreaves (1962)

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13
Q

What does Hargreaves say (1962) (A03) ?

A

Argues that schools place more value on competition and developing an individual than on developing a sense of social solidarity.

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14
Q

What does Parsons (1961) say about the role of education?

A

Argues that the school is the ‘focalising agency’ of modern society and provides a bridge between family and society as a whole. It role is seoncdary socialization and meritocracy?

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15
Q

What does Secondary socialization mean?

A

During primary socialization, everyone is treated differently (special), but in society this cannot function, everyone is treated in the same way (law). It socializes us into the shared values of a meritocratic society.

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16
Q

What does Meritocracy mean?

A

The ablitiy to rise and fall based on merit. Society is meritocratic based on Individual achievement (everyone achieves through own efforts and abilities, not where you come from) and Equal opportunity.

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17
Q

What are 2 main differences within the family and in wider society for functionalists?

A

Within the family 1)Child is judged by particualristic standards ( rules that only apply to that particular child) whereas in society We are treated and judjed by universalitistic standards ( laws apply to everyone).

Within the family a child’s status is ascribed (given by birth) but within wider society A person’s status is achieved (not ascribed, based on meritocratic princples)

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18
Q

What is a AO3 evaluation suggesting education isn’t meritocratic, for Parson’s theory?

A

Education isn’t meritocratic because schools discriminate against some groups (e.g. working class and black pupils) and don’t give them an equal opportunity to achieve.

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19
Q

What is another A03 evaluation that goes against saying A person’s ascribed status isn’t important in comparison to wider society?

A

A person’s ascribed characteristics- their class background, gender and ethnicity- are more important in determining their income later in life than their achievement in school.

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20
Q

What is another A03 evaluation against Functionalists view on socialization by Interactionists?

A

Interactionists argue that the functionalist view of socialization is too deterministic. Not all pupils passively accept the school values- some reject and rebel against them.

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21
Q

What do Davis and Moore (1945) talk about the role of education in society?

A

See the function of education as a tool of selection and role allocation. They argue that inequality is necessary to ensure that the most important roles in society are filled by the most talented people. Schools encourage competition so society can select the most talented for specific positions.

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22
Q

What is A03 evaluation of Davis and Moore (1945) against role allocation?

A

Class differences in achievement suggest that not everyone actually has the same chance in education. (give evidence)

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23
Q

From the article from the Guardian ‘Privately educated elite continues to take top jobs, finds survey’ what could you say that goes against Davis and Moore (1945) view?

A

We don’t have a meritocratic education system, as people who are privately educated, get the best jobs, also private education isn’t accessible for everyone. This is shown through article that ‘almost 3 quarters (71%) of top military officers were educated privately.’

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24
Q

What could be another A03 evaluation against Davis and Moore suggesting that schools do not always prepare us for our future roles?

A

It is difficult to see a link between subjects studied at school and what is required of workers in their jobs. Education doesn’t always prepare people for future roles.

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25
What is a A03 strength for Functionalists view of education?
It is difficult to argue against the need of social solidarity to keep a society of tens of millions of people together.
26
What do Neoliberalist believe about education?
They believe the state should not provide education. A free market encourages competition and drives up standards. Schools should be more like a business and operate in an educational market.
27
What is the New right view?
The new right is a political view that draws on neo-liberalism
28
Give 3 similarities between New right view and Functionalism?
1) Some people are naturally talented than others 2) Education is based on meritocracy 3) Education should socialise the young into a shared culture and create a sense of national identity.
29
Give 2 differences between New right thinking and Funcionalists thinking?
1) The reason for the failure is that education is run by the state. 2) Schools that get poor results or waste state money are not accountable for their consumers and this encourages poor standards.
30
What does New right believe the state provides?
One size fits all : belief that the state (and education) cannot meet all peoples needs. Schools are not responsive to their consumers = lower standards
31
What is the Solution for New right?
Marketisation of education, make schools more responsive to their consumers. Idea of choice and competition within education. New Right argue that creating an education market, forces schools to respond to the needs of pupils, parents and employers
32
So if schools are run like a educational market what does it mean for school standards?
This will raise standards because the funding formula means that schools have an incentive to be successful, since those that attract more pupils get more money.
33
Who are the sociologists that look at data from low income families?
Chubb and Moe (1990)
34
What did Chubb and Moe find (1990)
They compared 60,000 low income pupils from private and state schools and found that students from private schools do 5% better than those from state schools.
35
What does Chubb and Moe (1990) finding suggests that state school?
State education is not meritocratic, It has failed to create equal opportunity because it doesn't have to respond to pupil's needs. Also Private schools deliver higher quality ed because unlike state schools they are answerable to paying consumers – parents.
36
What is the solution for chubb and Moe (1990)?
Create market system in state education - give control to consumers. Via voucher system to spend on buying education from a school of their choice.
37
How would Vouchers raise standards for schools?
Vouchers would be school's main source of income. Schools would have to compete to attract parents' vouchers by improving the quality of education they offer. Those that did so would grow, while schools that didn't would close.
38
What is a A03 evaluation that would benefit Middle class?
Middle class would be able to top up meaning they would get to the better schools. Those who are likely to be in them bad schools would be Working class and black.
39
How does again these vouchers cause inequality (countiuation A03)?
The Middle class have the cultural capital and the knowledge to spend their money wisely.
40
Although New right want to reduce the state's role in education, they see a limited role init, which is what?
1) The state should create the framework of competition between schools. For example, publishing Ofsted inspection reports and league tables of schools’ exam results. 2) The state ensures that schools transmit a shared culture, by imposing a national curriculum, it seeks to guarantee that schools socialise pupils into a single cultural heritage.
41
Outline and explain two roles of the education system, according to new right theorists (4 marks)?
1) The state should create the framework of competition between schools. For example, publishing Ofsted inspection reports and league tables of schools’ exam results. 2) The state ensures that schools transmit a shared culture, by imposing a national curriculum, it seeks to guarantee that schools socialise pupils into a single cultural heritage.
42
What is an A03 evaluation of schools spending so much money to marketize their school?
Danger that schools will spend money on marketing the school rather than investing in resources for its pupils.
43
What is another A03 evaluation about how area affects the amount of funding a school gets?
Middle- class schools in middle class areas get higher funding. They do not face the same problems that working class schools in inner city deprived areas face and the New right's approach fail to tackle this.
44
Who is the sociologist who found out that competition leads to Marginalization?
David Gillborn (2001)
45
What does David Gillborn (2001) found out about what competition leads to?
He states that it leads to Marginalization of working class and ethnic minority students.
46
What do Marxists see society as?
It is a conflict view which see's society as inevitably divided into competitive classes, one which owns means of production and the other which doesn't.
47
In a Marxists society what are the 2 classes?
The ruling class (middle class, capitalists, bourgeoisie) and Proletariat ( working class)
48
What do Marxists believe about social institutions such as the education system, religion)
They reproduce class inequalities and play an ideological role creating False consciousness ( preventing a revolution)
49
Who is the sociologist that states that the state contain 2 elements which help them to keep them in power?
Althusser (1971)
50
What does Althusser (1971) say?
The state consists of two elements 'apparatuses', both of which serve to keep the bourgeoisie in power, these are Repressive status apparatuses and Ideological state apparatuses?
51
What is the Repressive status apprartuses?
When necessary to protect capitalist interests, the state uses force to repress the working class via the police, courts and army.
52
What is the Ideological status apprartuses?
bourgeoisie control people's ideas, values and beliefs. The ISA includes religion and education system.
53
What does Althusser (1971) see education as important for doing?
He sees the education system as an important ISA, He argues that it performs 2 functions: Reproduces class inequalities and Legitimatizes class inequality.
54
What does Reproduce class inequality mean (1971)?
It fails each generation of working class pupils , meaning in-turn they end up in the same kinds of jobs as their parents.
55
How does Reproduce class inequlity affect WC?
it affects their life chances
56
What does Legitimatizes class inequality mean by Althusser (1971)?
Education tries to convince people that inequality is inevitable and that failure is the fault of the individual, not the capitalist system.
57
How does Legitimatizes class inequality affect WC?
it affects what they believe and how they respond to capitalism.
58
What do Bowles and Ginitis (1971) say?
Capitalism needs workers with the kind of obedience attitudes that is willing to accept hard work and low pay. They argue that there is a close correspondence between the relationships in schools and those found in the Workplace place.
59
Why is an obedient workforce important for capitalism?
Because capitalism can exploit them, to maximize profits, otherwise their would be a revolution, where WC will not accept low pay.
60
What else do Bowles and Ginitis argue?
Correspondence principle, that schooling 'takes a long shadow of work.' The relationships and structures found in education mirror or correspond to those at work.
61
Give 2 example how School mirrors work?
Hierarchy of authority: head >teachers > pupils Hierarchy of authority: boss > supervisor > workers Alienation ( isolation) - pupils' lack control over education. Alienation through workers' lack of control over production.
62
What is the Hidden curriculum?
All the lessons that are learnt in school without being directly taught ( pupils accept hierarchy and alienation).
63
What do Bowles and Ginitis think about the correspondence principle and the hidden curriculum?
The correspondence principle operates through the hidden curriculum, this helps them prepare for their future work roles and also future gender roles. (explain it in exam)
64
What is AO3 evaluation against Bowles and Ginitis research?
They didn't carry out detailed research in schools and assume the hidden curriculum exists (not representative) - BUT there are a number as studies that support this view such as WILLIS.
65
What is the Myth of meritocracy (by bowles and ginits)?
Functionalists argue that education and the world of work is meritocratic, however Bowles and Ginitis, argue this is a myth. In reality, success is based on class background not ability or educational achievement.
66
How does the Education system legitimate the myth of meritocracy?
By promoting untrue claims that rewards are based on ability.
67
Who is the sociologist that is critical of Bowles and Ginitis correspondence princple?
Willis (1977)
68
What did Willis (1997) say?
he rejected Bowles and Gintis correspondence princple, rather than the lads passively accepting ruling class ideology, he found that working class pupils may resist attempts to indoctrinate them in school.
69
What does Indoctrinate mean?
the process of teaching a person or group to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.
70
What methods did Willis (1997) use to make his study?
He studied counter- school culture of the 'lads' - he studied a group of 12 WC boys using qualitative methods, studying the transition between school and work.
71
What was the main gist of Willis (1997) study?
Studied working class boys who did not accept the myth of meritocracy and rebelled against school ( they understand that there are being exploited but don't have the power, so they accept it). Ironically this led them to fail academically and have to take on unskilled jobs that suits capitalism.
72
Rather than leaving all your evaluation at the end of this theory what could you do in the middle?
Add a critical point.
73
What have Marixists claimed about recent educational pplicies in the UK?
Marketisation polices such as privatization of some educational services result in more direct capitalist control over education and training. Education system makes profits for capitalism.
74
How do Postmodernists criticse the Marxists claims e.g. from Bowles and Ginits (A03)?
Post modernists criticse Bowles and Ginits correspondence principle because today's post fordist economy needs schools to produce a different type of workforce than one described by Marxists. Post modernists now argue that they ed system produces a more diverse workforce instead of inequality.
75
What do Post modernists believe that Marxists and feminists view on education?
.They believe that they are Out of date and a very simplistic view.
76
What are Feminists view on Marxism (including sociologist)( A03) ?
Argues that the school doesn't only reproduce capitalism, but patriarchy too. McRobbie ( 1978) points out that females are largely absent from Willis' study.
77
How are Bowles and Gintis view different to Willis?
Marxists disagree themselves on how reproduction and legitimization take place .Bowles and Gintis take a deterministic view that pupils passively accept indoctrination. Willis rejects this simple 'brainwashing' view and shows how pupils may resist school and yet still end up in WC jobs.
78
What is another A03 evaluation against Willis?
Romanticisation (glorification). Willis has been criticized for romanticizing the 'lads', presenting them as working class heroes despite their anti-social behavior and sexist attitudes. His study of 12 boys in one school is unlikely to be representative.
79
What 4 points can i use for the Question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education?
Ideological status Apparatus Legitimates this inequality Correspondence principle and Hidden curriculum Myth of meritocracy
80
What is the explanation for the point ISA for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education?
One way is through controlling peoples minds
81
What is the example for the point ISA for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
e.g. education acts as a tool to teach us norms and values to be 'obedient' workers (Bowles and Ginits study
82
What is the Analysis and link for the point ISA for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
This is useful as it highlights how education is a tool of conserving the statue quo to avoid Revelation
83
What is the Evaluation for the point ISA for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education?
Functionalists see this as secondary socialization to teach essential norms and values which isn't a negative thing.
84
What is the Explanation for the point it Legitimates this inequality for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Inequlaity is inevitable and education convinces them of the fairness of capitalism this affects what the WC belive and how they respond to Capitalism.
85
What is the Example for the point it Legitimates this inequality for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Douglas highlights how the WC are more likely to be labelled as underachievers, leading to SFP.
86
What is the Analysis and Link for the point it Legitimates this inequality for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
This will persuade the children that inequality is justifiable and that they are powerless and that they deserve their subordinate position.
87
What is the Evaluation for the point it Legitimates this inequality for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Willis disagrees that children have no free will and indoctrinated, students do understand exploitation and reject the system. Counter eval =they don't have the power so accept it.
88
What is the Explanation for the point it Correspondence principle and Hidden curriculum for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
According Bowles and Gintis schooling takes place in the long shadow of work, which structures in education mirror work. The correspondence principle operates through the hidden curriculum.
89
What is the Example for the point it Correspondence principle and Hidden curriculum for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Alientation (isolation) - pupils lack control over education in school Alienation through workers' lack of control over production.
90
What is the Analysis and link for the point it Correspondence principle and Hidden curriculum for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
This is useful as it promotes and gives pupils experience of the capitalist society and workers, encouraging false consciousness. (reproducing/ legitimatizing inequality)
91
What is the Evaluation for the point it Correspondence principle and Hidden curriculum for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Post modernists critiscse that Bowles and Gintis' correspondence principle because today's post fordist economy needs school to produce a different type of workforce than one described by Marxists. Post modernists believe that the ed system produces a more diverse workforce instead of inequality.
92
What is the Explanation for the point it Myth of meritocracy for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
This means that success isn't based on ability and equal opportunities, but on class background.
93
What is the Example for the point it Myth of meritocracy for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
e.g. That education promotes meritocracy and that failure is a personal downfall.
94
What is the Analysis and Link for the point it Myth of meritocracy for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
This is a myth and a disguise of bigger issues of inequality in society, this is needed to make sure the WC don't recognize their unequal social position and start a revolution. This is how MC maintain false consciousness and uphold status quo.
95
What is the Evaluation for the point it Myth of meritocracy for the question 'Using material from Item A and your knowledge, evaluate the contributions of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education'?
Feminists would argue that rather than justify class inequality, education justifies patriarchy. Radical feminists would argue that school system trains us into accepting inferior position of females in society which is reflected in wider society.
96
What does Status Quo mean.
Status quo simply means the continuation of the way things currently are
97
What is a Post-fordisim in work?
Skilled, adaptable workforce with transferable skills.

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