Bowles And Gintis On Education (conflict Theory) Flashcards
What is Bowles and Gintis theory
Suggest that the ‘long shadow of work’ was cast over the education system
The primary function of education was to reproduce the workforce by preparing the next generation of workers for the roles in capitalist society
This was done through the hidden curriculum
How do schools do this
Schools closely correspond with the workplace- school mirrors the world of work
- punctuality
- rewards/sanctions
- hierarchies and power
How does school legitimise inequality according to Bowles and Gintis
Opportunity and meritocracy are myths (WC socialised into roles that would end them in WC jobs)
Education confirms working class pupils will end up in working class jobs
System gives advantages to those of middle-class
How this applies to contemporary education
Uniform policies (mirror dress codes with workplace)
Conservatives ‘teaches given power’
Role of academies- closer links with work
Apprenticeships and vocational education
Criticisms
Functionalists agree with skills for employment but suggest this is for benefit of society
Do all students become passive and unthinking puppets ?
Are the workers being produced equipped with necessary skills for employment
