Marxism

• What is the Marxist perspective on the function of education?

  The function of education is to prevent revolution and maintain capitalism, ensuring the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
• Who are the Bourgeoisie in Marxist theory?

  The Bourgeoisie are the capitalist class who own the means of production and make profits by exploiting the labour of the Proletariat (working class).
• Who are the Proletariat in Marxist theory?

  The Proletariat are the working class who are forced to sell their labour power to the capitalists. Their work under capitalism is often poorly paid, alienating, and unsatisfying, with no real control over their labour.
• What is the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) in Marxist theory?

  Institutions like education, media, and religion that spread bourgeoisie ideology to ensure the proletariat remain in a state of false class consciousness (FCC).
• How does history serve as an ISA in Marxist theory?

  It promotes the idea that Britain is always right, its leaders are wise and just, and it is important to preserve great traditions, discouraging radical social change.
• What role does hierarchy play in Marxist theory?

  It instills respect for authority and obedience, reinforcing the existing social order and preventing challenges to the capitalist system.
• What are the two functions of education according to Althusser?

  1. Reproducing class inequality by ensuring the failure of working-class pupils.
  2. Legitimising class inequality by promoting ideologies that disguise its true cause.
• What is the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) according to Althusser?

  The ISA is a mechanism through which the ruling class maintains dominance by controlling people's ideas, values, and beliefs using institutions like religion, media, and education
• What is the function of the Ideological State Apparatus?

  To persuade workers to accept inequality as inevitable and believe they deserve their subordinate position in society.
• How does meritocracy function as an ISA?

  It promotes the belief that success is based on hard work, legitimizing class inequality and making the working class accept their lower status as deserved.
• How does the American Dream function as an ISA?

  It suggests that anyone can succeed if they try hard enough, making poverty seem like a personal failure rather than a result of systemic inequality.
• How does individualism function as an ISA?

  It emphasises personal responsibility over collective action, preventing the working class from uniting and keeping them divided and compliant.
• False class consciousness


  A failure by members to recognise their real interests - idea that people in capitalist society unknowingly participate in a system that promotes inequality.Proletariat do not realise they are being exploited.
• What is the correspondence principle according to Bowles and Gintis?


  The correspondence principle states that schools produce an obedient workforce that accepts inequality as inevitable, aligning with the needs of capitalism.
• What traits are rewarded in schools according to Bowles and Gintis?

  Schools reward submissive and compliant traits such as obedience, discipline, and punctuality, which are linked to higher grades.
• What traits are discouraged in schools according to Bowles and Gintis?

  Independence and creativity are discouraged, with students exhibiting these traits often receiving lower grades.
• What is the purpose of schooling according to Bowles and Gintis?


  Schooling is designed to produce obedient workers who fit the needs of capitalism, rather than fostering individual growth or creativity.
• How does education distort personal growth according to Bowles and Gintis?


  Education distorts personal growth by prioritising the production of compliant workers over nurturing individual development and creativity.
• Similarities/Differences between Marxism and Davis and Moore - Role allocation theory

  Similarities:

  Suggest that education sorts individuals into different roles in society contributing to the functioning of the school system

  Differences:

  Role allocation by education is meritocratic and ensures that the most talented individuals fill the most important position,benefiting society as a whole.