1.2.6 Postmodernist perspective

Question 1

What do postmodernists argue about marxism?

Answer 1

• It’s outdated & that society has entered a new phase which is totally different from the society that marxists & functionalists have written about.

Question 2

What do they argue the economy is now based off?

Answer 2

• It has shifted from the assembly line mass production (fordist system) so class divisions are no longer important.
• It is now based on a flexible specialisation where prodcution is customised for small specialist markets (post fordist system)
• The post fordist requires a skilled , adaptable workforce able to use advanced technology.

Question 3

What do they claim about education?

Answer 3

• It has became more diverse & responsive to the needs of individual, groups & the demands of a changed economy.
• The believe the correspondence principle no longer applies/operates.
• It reproduces diversity not inequality.

Question 4

What are critiques of postmodernism?

Answer 4

• Marxists claim post fordism results in higher exploitation of workers.
• Marxists claim the education system still prepares the majority of pupil to defer to authority.