MARXISM

• Marxists disagree with the Functionalist idea that society is meritocratic (fair and equal)
• SOCIALISES CHILDREN INTO THEIR RESPECTIVE CLASS POSITION:

  • The education system prepares the working class for repetitive labour jobs - whereas the middle class are encouraged to aspire for higher education

  —> Working class are unlikely to challenge the system as they think it’s meritocratic

  
  

  BOWLES AND GINTIS - The correspondence principle, the values are taught through the hidden curriculum

  —> Schools prepare the working class to be exploited, continuing class inequality
• REPRODUCTION OF CLASS INEQUALITY:

  • The working class don’t possess cultural capital that they need to succeed

  BOURDIEU - spoke about different codes used by each class

  —> Elaborated Code: more complex vocabulary and sentences - used by the middle class

  —> Restricted Code: simpler words, less grammar - used by the working class

  • Schools and teachers talk in an elaborated code which puts working class students at a disadvantage as they don’t understand