The Role Of Education Flashcards
(59 cards)
What is the main argument of the Functionalist Perspective on Education?
Society needs social solidarity through shared values
Key functionalists include Durkheim, Parsons, and Davis and Moore.
According to Durkheim, what are the two basic functions of education?
- Promotes social solidarity
- Prepares young people for work
What does Parsons argue about the role of school in society?
School is the ‘focal socializing agency’ of modern society
What concept does Parsons introduce to explain how education bridges family and society?
Universal standards
What does the Human Capital Theory emphasize regarding education?
It develops a sufficiently skilled workforce for economic efficiency
List the methods used in schools to promote competition among pupils.
- Assessments to rank and stream pupils
- School reward systems (e.g., Prize Days)
- Competitive teams (e.g., House System, sports teams)
What is a criticism of the Functionalist perspective on education?
It overlooks the influence of other socializing forces like family, work, and media
According to Marxists, how does the education system reproduce class inequalities?
By socializing children into the dominant ideology of the ruling class
What is the ideological state apparatus (ISA) in the context of education?
It uses education to perpetuate class inequality and control people’s beliefs
What do Bowles and Gintis argue about the education system’s role in capitalism?
It produces an obedient and exploitable workforce
How do schools mirror the workplace according to Marxist theory?
- Fragmentation of knowledge and work
- Alienation
- Hierarchy of authority
- Competition among pupils and workers
- Extrinsic satisfaction
What is the hidden curriculum?
The lessons that are learned but not openly intended, such as acceptance of hierarchy and competition
Fill in the blank: The belief that the hardest working pupils will gain the highest rewards is known as the _______.
myth of meritocracy
What did Willis (1977) study in relation to the education system?
The counter-school culture of working-class boys
What did Willis find about the attitudes of working-class pupils towards education?
They formed a distinct counter-culture opposed to school authority
Critics of Marxism argue that it is too simplistic. What alternative view do they present?
Class divisions are no longer a key factor; diversity and choice are more relevant
What do feminists argue about gender inequalities in education?
Education emasculates women and reinforces gender stereotypes
List three ways in which gender inequalities manifest in education according to feminists.
- Gender stereotypes in reading schemes
- Gendered roles in the curriculum
- Gendered language in textbooks
What is the stance of Marxist feminists on the education system?
It oppresses women due to gender and class differences
What is neo-liberalism’s view on education?
The state should not provide education; schools must operate like businesses
Fill in the blank: Chubb and Moe (1990) found that pupils from low-income families …
perform better in private schools
What is marketization in education?
The introduction of market forces of consumer choice and competition into education.
According to Chubb and Moe (1990), how do pupils from low-income families perform in private schools compared to state schools?
They perform 5% better in private (fee-paying) schools.
What is the main argument of Chubb and Moe regarding state education?
State education has not responded to pupils’ needs and should adopt a market system via a voucher system.
