RECAP 1 – How would you define capitalism? RECAP 2 – Why do Marxists not like capitalism?

MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION The BIG Idea MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION Explore different Marxist views on the role of education. Outline studies by Althusser and Bowles & Gintis that claim education can be said to legitimise and reproduce inequality. We are Learning to... In today’s lesson... ALL Be able to briefly describe one or two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using one or more key concepts. MOST Be able to clearly describe more than two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using key concepts and making reference to one sociological study. SOME Be able to clearly describe more than two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using key concepts and making detailed references to more than one sociological study. Specification: The role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure.

IN CAPITALIST SOCIETY… Karl Marx & Marxism IN CAPITALIST SOCIETY… The bourgeoisie (ruling class) own the means of production (e.g. factories, farms, etc.). They exploit the proletariat (working class) by buying their labour from them at less than it is worth. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWQ9dgGsVew&feature=g-wl The proletariat will eventually realise they are being exploited, and bring about a revolution!

The role of the economy in society – link to starter activity.

Althusser (1970) – Education as an Ideological State Apparatus Althusser takes a theoretical approach to education. He argues that the W/C are controlled by the R/C through 2 types of ‘Apparatus’: Physical control through institutions such as the justice system & the military. Repressive State Apparatus: The more successful the I.S.As are at passing on R/C dominant ideology, the less work the R.S.As have to do. Control over the way the W/C think. These apparatus pass on the dominant ideology (e.g. capitalism is fair), through institutions such as the family, religion & education. Ideological State Apparatus:

Althusser believes that education has replaced religion as the most important I.S.A. You are feeling very sleepy; give yourself up to those in power; strive to obey; don’t question or challenge… The education system teaches W/C basic skills needed to perform within a capitalist society. The W/C are essentially forced to fail & end up taking up low status, low paid, alienating work roles. The R/C ‘go to the top of the pile’ & go on to university where they are trained to fill their R/C roles. Meritocracy is a Myth that has to be constantly reinforced so that inequalities are justified (false consciousness)

* Schools transmit an ideology which states that capitalism is just and reasonable. That’ll be £2.50, please. Cost price was 15p which gives me a net daylight robbery figure of £2.35. Uh-uh, OK.

* Schools prepare pupils to accept their future exploitation. It’s actually got nothing to do with the tie. We’re just getting you trained up to do as your future boss says. We’re breaking your spirit. Why do I have to sit in ISO all day because I’m not wearing the school tie? Having gutless workers & consumers is the only way capitalism will survive… * Pupils who succeed in school and become part of the R/C through their qualifications then feel that they are justified in exercising their power over others.

Learning Check: PEEEL In groups. Althusser. ISA

Bowles & Gintis (1970) ‘Schooling in Capitalist America’ Bowles & Gintis researched schools in the USA & concluded that the role of education is the reproduction of the workforce. Education is a ‘Myth Making Machine’ designed to justify inequality by promoting the idea that failure is due to lack of hard work rather than injustices & inequalities within the capitalist society. The myths of education: Achievement is based on merit Education is the path to success in work Those at the top deserve to be as they have worked the hardest. Those at the bottom are to blame for their failure.

CORRESPONDENCE PRINCIPLE * There is close correspondence between the ways in which people and children are treated in the workplace and the school. This is to get children used to their future exploitation. Examples…? We teach you to submit to an authority figure and to behave quietly and politely, suppressing your impulses…. …so that by the time you’ve got a job, you’re a natural! READ BOX IN TEXTBOOKS

The Hidden Curriculum: Bowles & Gintis believe that the correspondence principle was part of a ‘hidden curriculum,’ which allows the R/C to manipulate the W/C. This consists of things that pupils learn informally for their experience of going to school on a day to day basis. The hidden curriculum teaches the W/C the values needed within employment…… Through rewarding ‘Acceptable’ behaviour & punishing ‘Unacceptable’ behaviour 1) Subservience: 2) Motivation: Through External Rewards e.g. certificates / wages 3) Acceptance of Hierarchy: Teaching ‘Roles’, authority & power relationships 4) Fragmentation of Knowledge: Fragmented curriculum prepares individuals for fragmented economy. 5) Legitimisation of Inequality: The Myth of Meritocracy.

They cannot actually prove the ‘Hidden Curriculum’ exists. Criticisms (A03) of Bowles & Gintis / Marxism: They cannot actually prove the ‘Hidden Curriculum’ exists. Does capitalism really want docile / unskilled workers? They demanded Vocationalism! The hidden curriculum isn’t so hidden anymore. Many pupils do not accept their treatment by schools – rebellion – choice Social Mobility exist today, some can ‘work their way up’. Ignores the positive functions of Education, e.g. role allocation, universal standards. They conducted a study based on 237 members of the senior year in a New York high school. can we apply findings of the American education system to the British one? > Not all students within education are obedient & passive (See Willis 1970) > They ignore other factors such as gender & ethnicity.

Watch this summary of Marxist perspectives on education Watch this summary of Marxist perspectives on education. Then, write a paragraph or two explaining how Marxist sociologists claim that the education system reproduces and legitimises inequality… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvhDUnmeaMc

MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION The BIG Idea MARXIST PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATION Explore different Marxist views on the role of education. Outline studies by Althusser and Bowles & Gintis that claim education can be said to legitimise and reproduce inequality. We are Learning to... In today’s lesson... ALL Be able to briefly describe one or two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using one or more key concepts. MOST Be able to clearly describe more than two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using key concepts and making reference to one sociological study. SOME Be able to clearly describe more than two ways in which education can be said to legitimise or reproduce inequality, using key concepts and making detailed references to more than one sociological study. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvhDUnmeaMc Specification: The role and functions of the education system, including its relationship to the economy and to class structure.