Marxism: Theories of Education

Which sociologists are Marxists?

• Althusser

• Bowles & Gintis

• Willis

What type of Marxist is sociologist Paul Willis?

neo-Marxist

ideological state apparatus (ISA)

societal institutions used to pass on the dominant ideology of the ruling class in order to maintain the way things are (e.g., the education system)

repressive state apparatus (RSA)

institutions and mechanisms used by the state to maintain control through coercion and force, usually physical force (e.g., the police)

Which Marxist sociologist is associated with ISA & RSA?

Althusser

correspondence principle

the ways in which the education system mirrors the world of work

What are some examples of ways in which the education system mirrors the world of work through the correspondence principle?

• hierarchy of authority

• motivation by external rewards

• passive subservience

• division of labour

the hidden curriculum

the norms and values which are taught indirectly and are part of the organisation and routines of the school

What are some examples of lessons taught through the hidden curriculum?

• punctuality

• respect for authority

• discipline

• organisational skills

the myth of meritocracy

the idea that meritocracy does not actually exist because the biggest factor that determines a person’s status is their family and class background

Which Marxist sociologists are associated with the correspondence principle, the hidden curriculum & the myth of meritocracy?

Bowles & Gintis

the legitimation of class inequality

making class inequality seem acceptable though the promotion of the myth of meritocracy

Which Marxist sociologists are associated with the legitimation of class inequality?

Bowles & Gintis

What did Willis find were the main features of the counter-school subculture of the ‘Lads’ in his study?

• feeling superior to teachers

• misbehaving

• no value in academic work

• little interest in qualifications

• avoiding lessons and work

• resenting schools

• holding highly sexist and racist views

• seeing ethnic minorities as inferior

• seeing higher paid jobs as unachievable and undesirable