the role of education in society (neoliberalism and new right perspectives)

What is neoliberalism

Neoliberalism is an economic doctrine that has had a major influence on education policies- argues that the state should not provide service such as education, health and welfare

How do neoliberals argue on the value of education

Neoliberals argue that the value of education lies in how well it enables the country to compete in the global marketplace- only achieved of schools become more like businesses, allowing parents and pupils to act as consumers and using competition between schools to improve standards

What is an education market

Different schools competing with consumers (parents) to choose what school their child with go to

What is the new right perspective

Conservative political perspective that incorporates neoliberal economic ideas

What is the new right perspective on education

New right believe state cannot meet the needs of people and therefore are best left to meet their own needs through the free market - New Right in favour of marketisation of education

What are 3 similarities to functionalism

•believe some people are naturally more talented than others

• education should be based on meritocratic principles and one that serves the needs of economy

•education should socialise pupils into shared values and instil and sense of national identity

What are differences in functionalism

New rights don’t believe that the educational system is achieving these goals, but functionalists do - the reason for this is because it is run by state and state education system takes a one size fits all approach

What is another difference to functionalism

Local consumers who use the school such as pupils, parents and employers have no say, on schools run by state. Schools that waste money, get poor results are not answerable to their consumers

What is the result in this

Results in lower standards of achievement for pupils and therefore less qualified work force

What is the new right solution

New right socialisation - marketisation of education - creating an education market