Marx argues that the ideologies in the superstructure cover up the inequalities of society; he argues that these ideologies justify inequality because they are not neutral and therefore they serve the interests of the ruling class. Marx argues that the education system is like the workforce as it teaches us to be docile workers and accept that inequality is inevitable. Bowles and Gintis support Marx’s traditional view of the link between education and the nature of work in Capitalist societies. They argue that the education system integrate people into various aspects of the capitalist production process. The organisation of the education system mirrors the work force in many ways such as disciplining students to the demands of work- something they call ‘the crucial ingredient of job adequacy’.
Postmodernist claim that we have entered a new postmodern phase which is fragmented and more diverse. Assess the contribution of Marxism to our understanding of the role of education Marxists take a class conflict approach. They see social institutions such as the education system as serving the needs of capitalism and it reproduces class inequality and plays an ideological role by persuading exploited workers that inequality is justified and acceptable. Althusser sees education as an ideological state apparatus that keeps the bourgeoisie in power as they control the state. Capitalists are able to control people’s ideas, beliefs and values and they are also able to suppress the working class via the police and courts.
For example, achievement is greatly influenced by class background rather than ability. Furthermore, interactionist Dennis Wrong(1961) argues that functionalists have an ‘over-socialised view’ of people as mere puppets of society. Functionalists wrongly imply that pupils passively accept all they are taught and never reject the school’s values. Marxists, on the other hand, argues that education is mainly there to serve the needs of capitalism. Althusser, sees education as an ideological state apparatus that reproduces and legitimates class inequality, ensuring working-class pupils end up in working-class jobs, and that they accept their exploited role.
However, Gramsci argues that the ruling class domination can be overthrown where a classless communist society will be replaced. This is where the means of production benefits the society as a whole (equality). But in order to do so, working class must become conscious with the reality of their oppression. Gramsci refers to this as hegemony. Working class can develop ideas to challenge Proletariat hegemony through ‘dual consciousness’.
This also links to Bowles and Ginits views on sets. This is because they are setting them up for the future: a job below the middle class people. Althusser states, schools are an I.S.A (ideological state apparatus), and transmits the states norms and values. This disadvantages working class
Compare and contrast either two different theoretical approaches to the study of sociology OR two different methodological approaches used by sociologists Sociologists approach the study of society in different ways. Two concepts of society are functionalism and Marxism. Functionalists believe that different parts of society work together to keep the society running whereas Marxists believe societies are unequal and unfair. Both concepts differ in their views of how society operates for instance a Marxist would claim that there are only 2 classes and it is very hard to progress up a class whereas a functionalist would disagree and claim the harder you work, the more you achieve and the better your social position. Functionalism came from Emile Durkheim.
According to Marxists, the role of the education system is to provide workers for every part of the economy. Support for this Marxist view comes from Althusser he believes that the education system performs two functions; the reproducing of class inequality in the way that children are judged based on things they no control over for example their names and parents occupation resulting in them being consciously/unconsciously treat differently,this could then have an impact on how they behave and achieve in later years at school, and the other being legitimising class inequality. Althusser also mentions how school transmits ruling class ideology which states that capitalism is just and reasonable. Other sociologist like Bowls and Gintis highlight a strong correspondence between what is learnt in schools and what is required in workers for the Capitalist system. For example, they found that in school the pupils who succeed the most are obedient and unquestioning, rather than independent and inquisitive.
Marxism is the belief that the bourgeoisie’s position is implemented to minimalise class conflict and legitimise inequality. The ruling classes manipulate these ideas in every corner of society, even art, law and education. This view is outlined in “The Communist Manifesto”, written by Karl Marx. They believe that by removing class inequality, a society without poverty, crime and all of the problems in modern society will no longer be a problem, allowing everybody to share and co-exist. Under Mannheim’s definition of an ideology, Marxism would be seen as a utopian ideology.
Outline the postmodernist view of the role of Education Postmodernists take a diversity approach when considering the role of education. They argue that the Marxist view is outdated and that society has entered a new postmodern phase. Marxists believe that capitalism cannot function without a workforce that is willing to accept exploitation. They also see education as reproducing and legitimating class inequality. Postmodernists reject this view of Marxism, that we still live in a two-class society and the claim that education reproduces class inequality.
Marxism is the foundation of critical theory and argues that within a society, it is the economy that determines social structure. (Littlejohn 2011) Marx explains in the critique of political economy, that capitalist systems (i.e. the United States) oppress the working class through profit-driven production. (Littlejohn 2011) Using this very broad definition of Marxism, I believe Marxist theorists would view advertisements as a means of oppression because they promote consumerism, competition, and most importantly, capitalism. Ads target the intangible needs and ambitions of their audience and offer fulfillment through products.