AQA A Level Sociology: Education with Theory and Methods (Paper 1) - Education Focus

Introduction

• Paper Structure
  • Total 80 marks, 2 hours duration.
  • Education section: 50 marks, 4 questions.

Functionalism in Education

• Key Figures: Durkheim and Parsons
• Durkheim’s Social Solidarity
  • Education socializes individuals to maintain social solidarity.
  • School activities (assemblies, homework, etc.) foster a sense of community.
  • Marxist Critique: Assemblies indoctrinate passive acceptance.
• Parsons’ Bridge Theory and Meritocracy
  • School bridges family and society, teaching universalistic standards.
  • Meritocracy: Advancement based on talent and effort.
  • Criticism: Not all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
• Specialized Skills and Role Allocation (Davis and Moore)
  • Education identifies best individuals for roles in society.
  • Critique: Opportunities are not equal for everyone.

Marxism in Education

• Education as Ideological State Apparatus (Althusser)
  • Education reproduces and justifies inequalities.
  • Criticism: Overlooks gender inequality.
• Correspondence Principle (Bowles & Gintis)
  • School mirrors workplace expectations through hidden curriculum.
  • Indoctrination: Schools create obedient workers.
• Paul Willis’ Learning to Labour Study
  • Criticism of brainwashing concept; some students rebel.
• Evaluation of Marxist Approach
  • Highlights myth of meritocracy but lacks consensus on class inequality.

Education Policies

• 1944 Education Act
  • Introduced state education and tripartite system.
  • Criticized for labeling failures and gender inequality.
• 1965 Comprehensive Education Act
  • Abolished selection at 11, aimed for equal opportunity.
  • Criticisms: Private schools still exist, discipline issues noted by New Right.
• Education Reform Act 1988
  • Introduced market forces, competition among schools.
  • Criticisms: Testing increases stress, disparities remain.
• New Labour and Conservative Policies
  • Specialist schools, City Academies, Sure Start Centers, Pupil Premium.
  • Criticisms of funding use and effectiveness.

Globalization and Education

• Impact on Education Policy
  • Increased competition with international students.
  • Commodification of students, multicultural curriculum development.

Internal School Processes

• Hidden Curriculum and Labeling
  • Influences student attitudes towards education and self-perception.
  • Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Labels can impact student achievement.
• Setting and Streaming
  • Influences educational attainment and opportunities.
  • Educational Triage: Students categorized by potential.

Social Class and Education

• Material and Cultural Deprivation
  • Impact on educational resources access and student achievement.
  • Cultural Capital (Bourdieu): Middle class advantages in education.

Gender and Education Inequality

• Why Females Outperform Males
  • School environment, coursework favor girls.
  • Feminization of School: Lack of male role models.
• Subject Choice Impact
  • Gender stereotypes influence subject selection.
  • Women in traditionally male careers increasing.

Ethnicity and Education Inequality

• Cultural Deprivation and Material Deprivation
  • Language and family structure impact educational achievement.
  • Institutional Racism: Discriminates against ethnic minorities.

Conclusion

• Overall Insights
  • Education system reflects broader societal inequalities.
  • Continuous critique and adaptation needed to address disparities.