Marxism On Education

Question 1

Outline two ways that the ‘hidden curriculum’ operates in education (4 marks)

Answer 1

Things that are learnt but not directly taught ( hidden curriculum)
Paragraph 1
P – Accepting hierarchy and authority
E – Obeying teachers, follow school rules w/ question

Paragraph 2
P – Competition among pupils
E – Exams, grades,awards = promote competition

Question 2

Outline three ways education corresponds to work (6 marks)

Answer 2

Paragraph 1
P – Rules
E – Both school and work have rules about punctuality and uniform

Paragraph 2
P – External rewards
E – Qualification > joy of learning, Wages > joy of working

Paragraph 3
P – Alienation through lack of control
E – Students have no control over curriculum, employees with no control over production

Question 3

Applying material from the Item, analyse two ways in which the education system reproduces capitalism (10 marks)
ITEM – Marxists claim that school prepares students for the kinds of demands that they will face in the workplace to ensure that the economy runs smoothly. The education system transmits the myth of meritocracy, and persuades the working-class to accept inequality as fair. Yet, Marxists ignore that some working-class pupils do well at school and gain access to well-paid employment opportunities.

Answer 3

Paragraph 1
P – Preparation for workplace