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Key Theories within Education
304
•
6 Jan 2023
•
How Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist Theories Impact Education
georgia
@georgiaa
Key Theories in Education: Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist Perspectives
This page provides an overview of three major theoretical perspectives on education in sociology: Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist views. It also touches on the impacts of gender, class, and ethnicity on educational outcomes.
Marxist View on Education
The Marxist perspective on education posits that education serves to maintain class divisions and primarily benefits the middle classes.
Highlight: Education, according to Marxists, prepares working-class pupils for low-paid jobs and to accept capitalism.
Example: Bowles and Gintis' 'correspondence principle' suggests that schools correspond to the workplace by teaching obedience, acceptance of boredom, and motivation through external rewards.
However, this view has been criticized for focusing solely on negatives and potentially being outdated, as modern education prepares pupils for a wider range of jobs.
Feminist View on Education
Feminist views on education argue that education perpetuates gender divides and transmits patriarchal values.
Highlight: Feminists argue that females learn to adopt stereotypical expressive or housewife roles in society through education.
Like the Marxist view, this perspective has been criticized for potentially being outdated. Modern educational practices increasingly encourage girls to take STEM subjects, and more females are becoming lead learners.
Functionalist View on Education
The functionalist perspective on education sees education as a positive force in society.
Definition: Functionalism views education as preparing individuals for work and creating a stable society.
Functionalists believe in the concept of meritocracy in education, where all pupils have an equal chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts.
Gender and Education
The page highlights trends in gender and education:
- Girls are more likely to achieve A*-C grades than boys.
- Girls outperform boys at A-level in most subjects.
Factors contributing to these trends include:
- Gender socialization: Girls may be socialized to be more hard-working and obedient.
- Teacher expectations: Girls may be labeled as bright while boys may be labeled as lazy.
- Subcultures: Girls are more likely to join pro-school subcultures, while boys are more likely to join anti-school subcultures.
Class and Ethnicity in Education
The page also discusses the impact of class and ethnicity on educational outcomes:
Example: Chinese students are the highest-performing ethnic group, while Black Caribbean and Gypsy/Roma pupils are among the lowest-performing groups.
Factors influencing these trends include:
- Material deprivation: Some ethnic groups are more likely to live in low-income households, affecting access to educational resources.
- Cultural deprivation: Some cultures may not value education as highly as others.
- Ethnocentric curriculum: The curriculum may primarily focus on white British culture, potentially decreasing motivation for students from other backgrounds.
- Teacher labeling: Teachers may label some ethnicities negatively, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.
Vocabulary: Hidden curriculum - Things that are indirectly learned in school, outside of formal lessons .
The page concludes by mentioning key sociological concepts such as Durkheim's view on education transmitting shared norms and values, Parsons' idea of education as a bridge between family and society, and the concept of marketization in education introduced by the 1988 Education Reform Act.
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App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
How Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist Theories Impact Education
georgia
@georgiaa
The Marxist view on education sees it as a tool for maintaining class divisions and benefiting the middle class. Education prepares working-class students for low-paid jobs and acceptance of capitalism. Bowles and Gintis' correspondence principlesuggests that schools mirror workplace... Show more
Key Theories in Education: Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist Perspectives
This page provides an overview of three major theoretical perspectives on education in sociology: Marxist, Feminist, and Functionalist views. It also touches on the impacts of gender, class, and ethnicity on educational outcomes.
Marxist View on Education
The Marxist perspective on education posits that education serves to maintain class divisions and primarily benefits the middle classes.
Highlight: Education, according to Marxists, prepares working-class pupils for low-paid jobs and to accept capitalism.
Example: Bowles and Gintis' 'correspondence principle' suggests that schools correspond to the workplace by teaching obedience, acceptance of boredom, and motivation through external rewards.
However, this view has been criticized for focusing solely on negatives and potentially being outdated, as modern education prepares pupils for a wider range of jobs.
Feminist View on Education
Feminist views on education argue that education perpetuates gender divides and transmits patriarchal values.
Highlight: Feminists argue that females learn to adopt stereotypical expressive or housewife roles in society through education.
Like the Marxist view, this perspective has been criticized for potentially being outdated. Modern educational practices increasingly encourage girls to take STEM subjects, and more females are becoming lead learners.
Functionalist View on Education
The functionalist perspective on education sees education as a positive force in society.
Definition: Functionalism views education as preparing individuals for work and creating a stable society.
Functionalists believe in the concept of meritocracy in education, where all pupils have an equal chance to succeed based on their abilities and efforts.
Gender and Education
The page highlights trends in gender and education:
- Girls are more likely to achieve A*-C grades than boys.
- Girls outperform boys at A-level in most subjects.
Factors contributing to these trends include:
- Gender socialization: Girls may be socialized to be more hard-working and obedient.
- Teacher expectations: Girls may be labeled as bright while boys may be labeled as lazy.
- Subcultures: Girls are more likely to join pro-school subcultures, while boys are more likely to join anti-school subcultures.
Class and Ethnicity in Education
The page also discusses the impact of class and ethnicity on educational outcomes:
Example: Chinese students are the highest-performing ethnic group, while Black Caribbean and Gypsy/Roma pupils are among the lowest-performing groups.
Factors influencing these trends include:
- Material deprivation: Some ethnic groups are more likely to live in low-income households, affecting access to educational resources.
- Cultural deprivation: Some cultures may not value education as highly as others.
- Ethnocentric curriculum: The curriculum may primarily focus on white British culture, potentially decreasing motivation for students from other backgrounds.
- Teacher labeling: Teachers may label some ethnicities negatively, leading to self-fulfilling prophecies.
Vocabulary: Hidden curriculum - Things that are indirectly learned in school, outside of formal lessons .
The page concludes by mentioning key sociological concepts such as Durkheim's view on education transmitting shared norms and values, Parsons' idea of education as a bridge between family and society, and the concept of marketization in education introduced by the 1988 Education Reform Act.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user