to reproduce the inequalities of a capitalist society and to justify these inequalities through the myth of meritocracy
Marxism views
they believe that the main function of education is to socialise children into their class positions.
this means that making sure the working class don't realise how unfair the system and how the education system reinforces inequalities
schools prepares working class students for boring and repetitive jobs whilst middle class are encouraged to aspire high levels of education
what do Marxists believe about meritocracy
its a myth
Althusser
he says that education is part of an ideological state apparatus this is when we are controlled by our ideas
schools spread the bourgeoise ideology and ensure that the proletariat is in a state of false class consciousness which is were students are led to believe that the system is fair
this means that schools prepare working class students to accept a life of exploitation
Bowles and Gintis
They argue that there is a close correspondence between what goes on at school and what goes on in the world of work
They believe that the hidden curriculum ensures that there is a hard working obedient and highly motivatedworkforce
for example the hidden curriculum encourages acceptance of hierarchy, teachers give orders the students obey
Bowles and Gintis do not believe schools are meritocratic. They believe class is the most important factor influencing levels of attainment
Evaluation of Bowles and Gintis
They exaggeratedcorrespondence principle between education and the work place
they have been criticised for ignoring the role of the formal curriculum
it’s suggested that schools don’t actually prepare students for the modern workplace
Marxists believe that the main function is to socialisechildren into their class positions
Bordieu
Cultural Capital
educational attainment directly related to the amount of cultural capital a pupil possess
Evaluation of marxist views
ignores gender and ethncity
deterministic ( not all working class are in lower sets