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Education - Theories (Marxism (Education is based on class division and…
Education - Theories
Marxism
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Althusser: the education system benefits capitalism in several ways:
-It is a form of 'ideological state apparatus (which is an agency that spreads the dominant capitalist ideology and maintains the rule of the bourgeoisie
-it reproduces social class inequalities
-It justifies these inequalities through the myth of meritocracy, so the proletariat continue to work hard without realising their state of oppression (false consciousness)
Willis - Learning to Labour
- Working class can resist the education system, but they will end up working in unskilled jobs which benefit capitalism anyway
- He conducted a case study on 12 working class boys to study the anti-school subculture of the 'lads'.
- He found that the lads thought school was stupid and they values traditional working class values of masculinity
- The lads named teachers and conforming pupils "ear 'oles"
- They had a lack of respect for authority and always wanted to have a laugh.
Strengths:
- Structural theory that connects the education system to wider society
- Exposes class inequalities and the myth of meritocracy
- Identifies how the education system can benefit capitalism, in particular through the hidden curriculum
Weaknesses:
- Can't generalise one class- working class pupils could still work hard and get a good job
- Some sociologists lack detailed studies or research
- Outdated
- Functionalists disagree- everyone has an equal chance
Functionalism
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+Structural theory (society influences individuals) which connects the education system to wider society
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-Outdated
-Marxist criticise not all benefit equally (working class) -Functionalists ignore the inequalities in power in capitalist society- the values passed on are those of the ruling class
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