Role and function- Marxism

Question 1

Role- Reproduces class inequality

Answer 1

Willis- Working class boys learn to behave in a disruptive way, teachers allow them to do so.
Bourdieu- Education values cultural capital of the middle class, makes it harder for working class to do better in school.

Question 2

Role- Legitimises class inequality through ideology

Answer 2

Althusser- Education is a ISA and transmitts ideology through the hidden curriculum, leads to WC accepting failure and inequality. e.g teaching meritocracy even though it’s a myth

Question 3

Role- Teach exploitable skills for a capitalist workforce

Answer 3

Bowles and gintis- Education ensures workers are unquestioning and obedient to be exploited.