Neoliberalism and the New right perspective

• Neoliberalism


  Believes the state should not provide education. A free-market economy encourages competition and drives up standards. Schools should be more like businesses and operate in an education market.
• New Right


  More of a political than a sociological perspective. Has influenced educational policy in Britain and elsewhere.
• New Right ideas


  Similar to those of functionalism
• New Right and functionalism similarities

  • Believe some people are naturally more talented than others
  • Agree education should be run on meritocratic principles of open competition
  • Believe education should socialise pupils into shared values and provide a sense of national identity
• The New Right believe that older industrial societies such as Britain are in decline, partly as a result of increased global economic competition.