Evaluating Davis and Moore

What is a key Marxist criticism of Davis and Moore’s view on social stratification?

Marxists argue that social stratification (inequality) means that the education system fails to grade people based on their ability or effort

How do Marxists believe the education system benefits the wealthy and powerful?

They argue that the wealthy and powerful have numerous advantages that the education system reinforces, rather than genuinely promoting meritocracy

What evidence do Marxists provide to challenge the idea of meritocracy?

The children of those with Hugh paid jobs leave the education system with better qualifications and secure high paid jobs themselves, indicating the reproduction of inequality

How do Marxists describe the myth of meritocracy?

It convinces the public that success is based on effort and ability but really allows the wealthy to enrich their privilege

Why is the myth of meritocracy problematic according to Marxists?

Serves to make inequality appear fair, allowing the rich to maintain their advantages while convincing others that the system is just

What issue challenges the link between qualifications and income in Davis and Moore’s theory?

It’s not necessarily true that those with beSt qualifications achieve the highest incomes, as social class significantly influences income levels

How do family connections contradict the idea of meritocracy?

Some individuals access high salaries without good qualifications due to family connections, undermining the idea that success is purely based on merit

What economic challenges also question the meritocratic nature of education?

High levels of graduate unemployment and underemployment, suggesting that even those with good qualifications don’t always secure high income jobs