9699 · 5.3
Influences on the curriculum — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9699 Influences on the curriculum. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Is the curriculum just the list of subjects taught in school?
This is a common misconception. While the formal curriculum does consist of subjects, sociologists argue that the curriculum is much broader. It also includes the 'hidden curriculum'—the unstated values and norms learned through school routines. Furthermore, the choice of which subjects and which knowledge to include is a result of ideological struggles between different social groups, meaning the curriculum is never neutral.
Is the hidden curriculum always a negative force for social control?
Not according to all perspectives. While Marxists and Feminists see it as a negative tool for reproducing class and gender inequality, Functionalists have a more positive view. For them, the hidden curriculum is essential for teaching shared social norms and values (a value consensus), which helps to integrate individuals into society and maintain social solidarity. They see it as a vital part of secondary socialisation.
Isn't the National Curriculum designed to be objective and fair to everyone?
While the aim of a national curriculum is often stated as providing a standardised, fair education for all, sociologists argue it is never truly objective. The content is selected by the government of the day and therefore reflects its political and cultural ideology. For example, debates over the history curriculum often reveal a conflict between a more nationalistic, celebratory version of the past and a more critical, multicultural perspective. The curriculum is a site of ideological conflict, not a neutral body of facts.