the role of education - marxism

Question 1

what is marxism?

Answer 1

the theory which believes that society is based on economic values - this influences political and social life

Question 2

what two elements does the state consist of (according to Althusser)

Answer 2

> the repressive state apparatus
the ideological state apparatus

Question 3

what does marxism result to?

Answer 3

> as a result of the economic influence, the rich exploit the poor in order to make a profit - the poor are deliberately treated badly to ensure class system stays in place, allowing the rich to become richer
all parts of society are used to ensure this happens e.g - school, family, religion, govt etc
they create a classless society which governs itself without a structure

Question 4

what is the idea of repressive state apparatus?

Answer 4

relies on force used by police to maintain class ruling power thru physical coercion against working class

Question 5

what is the idea of the ideological state apparatus?

Answer 5

uses religion /media/education to influence citizens ideas - maintaining ruling power

Question 6

what do Bowels and Gintis think?

Answer 6

> education doesn’t foster personal development - it distorts it
it creates obedient workers
those who showed independence achieved lower grades and those who showed obedience and discipline achieved higher grades