Althusser

• How do functionalism and Marxism differ regarding education?

  They disagree on the motives behind education
• What type of Marxism is Althusser associated with?

  Structural Marxism
• What do social institutions like education do according to Althusser?

  They shape our behavior
• Why did Althusser believe the ruling class needed to control the working class?

  To prevent potential revolts from the working class
• What are the two types of state apparatus identified by Althusser?

  Repressive state apparatus and ideological state apparatus
• How does the repressive state apparatus (RSA) control the masses?

  Through coercion and force
• What role does the ideological state apparatus (ISA) play?

  It controls how the working class is taught
• What did Althusser argue about education's role in society during the 1970s?

  It replaced religion as the primary control method
• How does education prepare students for employment according to Althusser?

  By teaching them special skills for the workforce
• What does Althusser mean by the term 'hegemony' in education?

  It reproduces the dominant ideology of the ruling class
• How does education legitimize inequality according to Althusser?

  By promoting the myth of meritocracy
• What barriers do working-class students face in achieving success?

  Cultural and material factors block their success
• How does the fragmented curriculum affect students?

  It prevents critical thinking about society
• What subjects are often ignored in schools according to Althusser?

  Drama, dance, and the arts
• How does the teaching of history reflect the ruling class's ideology?

  It is taught from a British perspective
• What impact does the myth of meritocracy have on working-class students?

  It leads to low self-esteem and blame
• How does Althusser's work remain relevant today?

  It applies to contemporary societal structures
• What is a criticism of Althusser's views on education?

  They lack empirical evidence
• How do post-modernists view pathways to success in society?

  They suggest there are more pathways than education
• What is a final criticism of Althusser's determinism?

  Many working-class students succeed despite barriers
• What are the key ideas of Althusser's views on education?

  • Education shapes behavior
  • Repressive and ideological state apparatuses
  • Education prepares for exploitation
  • Reproduces dominant ideology (hegemony)
  • Promotes myth of meritocracy
  • Fragmented curriculum limits critical thinking
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of Althusser's theories on education?

  Strengths:

  • Highlights control through education
  • Connects education to social inequality

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Lacks empirical evidence
  • Too deterministic regarding success