Analysis of an Area of Social Life with Three Sociological Theories
Analyse one area of social life using three sociological theories
Education plays a major role in the early years of human life, further developing the skills and abilities taught to individuals by their families during primary socialisation and instilling upon them the necessary requirements to become functioning adults in society. Since the Education Reform Act 1988 (Legislation.gov, n.d), there has been a national curriculum in place that teaches academic knowledge, this essay will focus more on the norms and values that are perpetuated into society, this term is known as the hidden curriculum. There are differing views on the merits of education and its influence, this essay will analyse these from the perspectives of Marxism, Functionalism and Feminism.
It is commonly acknowledged that the educational system is dictated by those in power, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, the Education Secretary (Gov.uk, n.d) along with parliament, are responsible for making the decisions that will affect the nation’s schools, while the executives of the institution hold the power in how it is individually ran. This is seen by the Marxists as an example of capitalism and the influence the bourgeoisie has over society. In a reference to the communist manifesto, Waugh (2010) talks of the kind of measures workers might fight for to ‘rescue education from the influence of the bourgeoisie’. It is their belief that the educational system is designed to repress individuality and non-conformity and establish the mindset of the proletariat and their role in society.
However, the introduction of the Education Act 2011 intended to make it easier for establishments of further education to make their own decisions and have more freedom to govern themselves (Gov.uk n.d) It could be argued however, that it is necessary to have a state governing body to regulate the educational system throughout the country. This therefore ensures a basic minimum standard of education is maintained
Education plays a major role in the early years of human life, further developing the skills and abilities taught to individuals by their families during primary socialisation and instilling upon them the necessary requirements to become functioning adults in society. Since the Education Reform Act 1988 (Legislation.gov, n.d), there has been a national curriculum in place that teaches academic knowledge, this essay will focus more on the norms and values that are perpetuated into society, this term is known as the hidden curriculum. There are differing views on the merits of education and its influence, this essay will analyse these from the perspectives of Marxism, Functionalism and Feminism.
It is commonly acknowledged that the educational system is dictated by those in power, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, the Education Secretary (Gov.uk, n.d) along with parliament, are responsible for making the decisions that will affect the nation’s schools, while the executives of the institution hold the power in how it is individually ran. This is seen by the Marxists as an example of capitalism and the influence the bourgeoisie has over society. In a reference to the communist manifesto, Waugh (2010) talks of the kind of measures workers might fight for to ‘rescue education from the influence of the bourgeoisie’. It is their belief that the educational system is designed to repress individuality and non-conformity and establish the mindset of the proletariat and their role in society.
However, the introduction of the Education Act 2011 intended to make it easier for establishments of further education to make their own decisions and have more freedom to govern themselves (Gov.uk n.d) It could be argued however, that it is necessary to have a state governing body to regulate the educational system throughout the country. This therefore ensures a basic minimum standard of education is maintained