9699 · 5.1
Theories about the role of education flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9699 Theories about the role of education (syllabus 5.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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Parsons — two functions of school?
Socialisation (universalistic values) + role allocation (meritocracy).
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Davis & Moore?
Inequality necessary — education selects most talented for key roles.
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Bowles & Gintis — correspondence principle?
School mirrors workplace hierarchy — prepares obedient workers.
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Hidden curriculum?
Unofficial lessons — punctuality, authority, competition.
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New Right on education?
Marketisation, parental choice, standards — Chubb & Moe.
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Althusser — ISA?
Education ideological state apparatus reproducing capitalism.
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What is the 'correspondence principle' according to Bowles and Gintis?
The idea that the structures, norms, and values of the education system mirror (correspond to) those of the capitalist workplace. This prepares pupils for their role as exploited workers.
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According to Parsons, what is the 'bridge' function of education?
School acts as a 'focal socialising agency' that provides a bridge between the particularistic values of the family and the universalistic, impersonal values of wider society and the workplace.
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Define 'Ideological State Apparatus' (ISA) in the context of education.
A Marxist concept from Louis Althusser. It refers to institutions (like education) that control people's ideas, values, and beliefs to maintain the power of the ruling class, primarily through ideology rather than force.
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What is 'parentocracy' as advocated by the New Right?
A system where a child's education is determined by the wealth and wishes of their parents rather than the abilities and efforts of the pupil. It is the outcome of marketisation policies that give parents choice.
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What did Durkheim mean by 'social solidarity' in relation to education?
The function of education to transmit society's shared culture, norms, and values from one generation to the next. This binds individuals together, making them feel part of a single community.
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Who are the key thinkers for the New Right perspective on education and what did they propose?
Chubb and Moe. They proposed a market system for state education in the US, where families would be given a voucher to spend on buying education from a school of their choice. They argued this would force schools to become more responsive to parents' wishes.
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What was the main finding of Paul Willis's study 'Learning to Labour'?
Willis found that a group of working-class 'lads' formed a counter-school culture that rejected the school's values. They saw through the 'myth of meritocracy' but their rebellion ironically led them into the low-paid manual jobs that capitalism required.
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What is a key criticism of the functionalist view of education?
It is overly optimistic and ignores the 'dark side' of schooling. It assumes education is meritocratic, but evidence on class, gender, and ethnicity shows that achievement is heavily influenced by social background, not just ability.