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All notes taken from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XYR2aHA4iM
What is Althusser’s state apparatuses?
The ruling class looks to control the masses through different apparatuses
Repressive state apparatus
Physical control, coercion
Police, military courts
Ideological state apparatus
Control over thoughts, beliefs and ideas
Education, religion, media
What does the ideological state apparatus do?
Teaching students the necessary skills for employment
Reproduces the dominant ideology of the ruling class
Reproduces and legitimised inequality
How do schools achieve the ideological state apparatus?
Fragmented curriculum
Basic skills- literacy, numeracy
Curriculum based on ruling-class values- history, literature, music
Myth of meritocracy
What are the contemporary applications of ideological state apparatus?
The national curriculum is split into distinct subjects
Students are to study for passing grades in English and Maths until 18
Changes to the curriculum under the coalition government
Growth mindset
What are the criticisms of Althusser’s view on education?
Functionalist views- agree with Marxist ideas, but suggest that they are beneficial for society
Limited empirical evidence for Althusser’s ideas
Postmodernists would suggest education is one way of expressing ability in contemporary society
Deterministic: More children from manual labour backgrounds going into HE than ever before- still only 9%
