What Are The Roles And Functions Of Education? Continued
Overview
Functionalists see education as a fair ladder that lifts the talented and binds society together. The critical perspectives are not convinced. Marxists argue that the same school which claims to reward merit quietly reproduces class inequality and trains an obedient workforce. Feminists ask why education has so long carried a hidden message about a woman’s place. Interactionists go inside the classroom and show how a teacher’s label can make or break a pupil’s future.
In this lesson you will learn each of these challenges in turn: Bowles and Gintis on the correspondence principle and the myth of meritocracy, Althusser on education as an ideological state apparatus, the feminist case on a patriarchal curriculum, and the interactionist account of labelling and the self-fulfilling prophecy. Each comes with its standard criticisms, so you finish able to weigh every side rather than simply pick one.
Objectives
- The roles and functions of education in the reproduction of class inequalities: socialisation and social control as capitalist ideological control, the hidden and official curriculum, the middle-class culture in schools, e.g. the importance of cultural capital, the myth of meritocracy, material factors, e.g. access to digital technology, setting by ability.
- Strengths and limitations of the Marxist view.
- The roles and functions of education in perpetuating gender inequalities: the patriarchal culture of education, male power, gender hierarchy, role models, access to education, gendered curriculum / subject choice, teacher expectations, peer groups and social control.
- Strengths and limitations of the feminist view.
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on What Are The Roles And Functions Of Education? Continued. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- The 'correspondence principle' was developed by: A. Durkheim B. Parsons C. Bowles and Gintis D. Rosenthal and Jacobson Answer: C
- Althusser described education as part of the: A. repressive state apparatus B. ideological state apparatus C. correspondence principle D. value consensus Answer: B
- The 'myth of meritocracy' refers to the Marxist claim that education: A. has no effect on a pupil's job B. only appears to reward ability while reproducing class advantage C. always rewards the hardest-working pupils D. is controlled entirely by teachers Answer: B
- Rosenthal and Jacobson's 'Pygmalion in the Classroom' study is used as evidence for: A. the correspondence principle B. role allocation C. the self-fulfilling prophecy D. value consensus Answer: C
- Which criticism is most often made of both the Marxist and interactionist views of education? A. They ignore the skills education teaches B. They are too deterministic and underrate pupils who resist C. They deny that labelling exists D. They claim education is perfectly meritocratic Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
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