Assess the contribution of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education:
Marxists argue that society is unfair and unequal. They believe that the system is Capitalist and both women, ethnic and religious minorities are the ones that are affected badly. There solutions for these problems are to replace the Capitalist society where everyone is equal. Marxism is one of the three types of Feminism; the other two are Liberal Feminism- They say the law is sexist but do not blame the men but the way women and men socialise has an impact on the law. Their solution for their problems is that we all need to be socialised differently and get rid of laws. The other type of Feminism is Radical Feminism- They say men and women are still unequal, women are exploited by men and believe the solution is separatism; men and women should live apart. Functionalists look at society from a positive perspective and argue the different parts of society benefits everybody- including women which therefore contradict the Marxists and Feminists beliefs. The founder of Functionalism was Durkheim who believes in social Solidarity.
The main argument of Marxism on education is that there is inequality. Louis Althasser, a French Marxist philosopher, argues that the state consists of two elements, both of which serve to keep the bourgeoisie in power. These are: The Repressive State apparatus (RSA’s) maintain the rule of the bourgeoisie by force or threat. These include the police, court and army. The Ideological State apparatus (ISA’s) which maintain the rule of bourgeoisie by controlling peoples ideas, beliefs and values. These include religion, mass media, and the education system. Althasser argues that ideology in Capitalist society is fundamental to social control- he sees the main role of education as transmitting this ideology. He believes that the ISA is very important for society. Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, American Marxists, developed these ideas further.
The Essay on Spartan Women Men Sparta Education
Sparta was a Greek state renowned for its individuality amongst the rest of Greece from the sixth century BC. The majority of Greece was cultured in their thinking and the arts, yet very conservative concerning the roles of women. Sparta, however, involved women much more in their society. Importance was placed on the physical fitness and the equality between the Spartiates - therefore, including ...
They argue that Capitalism requires a workforce with the kind of attitudes, behaviour, and personality type suited to their role. The role of the education system in Capitalists society is to reproduce an obedient workforce that will accept inequality as inevitable. They do not believe that education fosters personal development. Rather, it stunts and distorts students’ development. They describe the education system as ‘a giant myth-making machine’. Meritocracy is seen as a myth. Meritocracy means that everyone has an equal opportunity to achieve, so whoever gives a lot of effort and hard work earns the most rewards. Bowles and Gintis see this as a myth as the evidence for this is the main factor determining whether or not someone has a high income is their family and class background, not their ability or educational achievement. Functionalists believe that meritocracy exists but they do not see it.
I will now evaluate Marxist’ contribution to education in society and will discuss Chubb and Moe’s perspectives of education. They were Americans who supported the New Rights. They argue that state education has failed, therefore, it agrees with Marxism. They believe the lower class, ethnic and religious minorities have been badly served by state education which suggests that state education has failed to create equality which Marxists agree with. Marxists argue that education does not impose a shared national culture, as the New Rights argue, but imposes the culture of a dominant minority ruling class. New Right believe that the rich transmit their ideas, which is one of the arguments put forward by the Marxists. Marxists argue that there is a major inequality in education which is also supported by New Right as they to agree with that. Marxists see society in a negative way, therefore, may blindly see a positive aspect in a negative way.
The Essay on Education As A Part Of Society
Education has always been a crucial part of society for the past centuries. Some believe that our education is a privilege. Some believe that our education is a right. Some believe that our education is an obligation. The only obligation we might have towards education is to treat it as a privilege as well as a right, but certainly not an obligation to have an education. Education has been the ...
Overall, I have learnt that Marxism support all people that are treated unfairly for e.g. women, ethnic people and religious minorities. However, they do not look at any positivity for e.g. the National Curriculum does in a way; provide equality at the fact that everyone has to be taught particular subjects. Marxists are part of feminism and argue that women are treated unfairly. However, girls are now doing better than boys in education. This shows that Marxists have made changes in society. However, they do not look at why boys are now underachieving. Marxism and Functionalism defer in many ways. One example would be that Marxism does not believe Meritocracy exists whereas, Functionalism does.
