SECTION 2: New Right, Feminist, & Postmodern Perspectives

1. The New Right (Chubb and Moe)

• They argue the state education system is inefficient because it is a "monopoly."

• The Marketisation Solution: Schools should compete like businesses. This gives "parental choice" (Parentocracy) and forces schools to improve standards to attract "customers" (students).

2. Feminism

• Liberal Feminists: Celebrate the "March of Progress" (girls now outperforming boys).

• Radical Feminists: Argue the "Glass Ceiling" still exists in education—the curriculum is still male-dominated (Great Men in history), and girls face "double standards" in school culture.

3. Postmodernism (Usher and Edwards)

• They argue the "one-size-fits-all" school system is outdated. In a postmodern society, we need Diversity and Choice.

• Examples: Faith schools, Steiner schools, specialist tech colleges, and online learning reflect the "pick and mix" nature of modern identity.