Theorist Views Flashcards
What does Willis say the education system doesn’t do?
Argues it doesn’t turn out an obedient workforce as some kids form an anti-school subculture and cope with school by mucking about.
What are three beliefs that Marxists have on education?
1) Education prepares children for the world of work by giving them skills and values employers need.
2) Education passes on ruling class ideology that supports capitalism.
3) Education legitimises inequality.
Why do Davis & Moore believe inequality is necessary in the education system?
Ensures that most important roles in society are filled by the most talented people.
What are the 3 types of capital that Bourdieu says allows middle class to be successful in school?
1) Cultural capital - Having the skills, knowledge, norms and values which can be used to get ahead.
2) Economic capital - Higher incomes can afford resources to better them.
3) Educational capital - A better understanding of the system.
What does Althusser see education as part of?
The ideological state apparatus which is a tool of capitalism used to pass on the belief that society is fair even though it legitimises inequality.
What do the New Right think schools should be run like?
Businesses.
Believe they should have to compete with other schools to attract consumers to create an education market.
Why do Bowels & Gintis suggest there is a correspondence principle between pupil experiences of school and adult work?
Pupils are prepared for work by the school system as it mirrors the work place. For Example:
- Taught to accept hierarchy at school.
- Pupils are motivated by grades to do boring work.
- School day broken into small units.
- At school and work subservience (following rules) is rewarded.
What do the New Right believe education should provide?
Individual Choice.
What can labeling a student lead to?
The self-fulfilling prophecy.
What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?
Where a student internalizes the label they’ve been given as part of their identity and then acts up to the label.
What did Chubb & Moe say the cause of the education system failing was?
1) Failed to meet needs of individual students.
2) Failed to provide students with work based skills.
3) Private schools were more successful as they were accountable to their paying ‘customers’.
What does Parsons believe the education system is?
Education is meritocratic meaning it is based on talents and achievements instead of social status which will allow a student to work their way up.
What does Durkheim believe the official curriculum teaches?
Teaches specialist skills to students that will ensure they are able to perform roles effectively when an adult. Also helps create social solidarity in society.
What did Willis find in his study of a anti-school subculture?
In the subculture it was cool to mess about and fail as it was seen as a way of the boys gaining respect from others within the subculture.
What do functionalists believe that the education system does to help society?
1) Secondary Socialization - Passes on norms and values.
2) Role Allocation - Sifts and sorts people into appropriate jobs.
3) Teaches the skills needed in work.
