Describe the different purposes of education according to different sociological perspectives.

Marxism has some similar views as functionalists of education however they take a more negative stance. Althusser views education as a segment in the ‘ideological state apparatus’ used by the ruling class to get the majority to accept ruling ideas. Education gives a ‘false consciousness that the system gives each individual an equal chance’. Macdonald supports this view by stating that education is useless in determining an individuals life chances as the social class they are born into predetermines them, incorporating this idea Stanworth & Giddens studies have conducted research providing statistical evidence, 7% of all school population attend public schools, yet 60-90% of all the top positions are taken by public school pupils. A study by Meghan reveals another startlingly statistic supporting the above as 88% of all barristers are recruited from Oxbridge. Not surprisingly enough, higher education is seen as a middle class past time, Halsey, Heath & Ridge state that 50% of all students come from the 7% that attend public schools. As with Moore & Davies, Bourdieu suggests that schools provide ‘cultural reproduction’, implicating the idea that individuals cannot move above their social class as they are simply being sifted into certain jobs according to social class. An extensive study conducted by Bowles & Gintis suggests the correspondence between schooling and employment and make vital points. Schools prepare children for inequalities they will experience throughout life. Schools favour conformist pupils, as do employers. Education is not seen as worthwhile in its own right but only as means to get a job.

The liberal view takes a micro view as opposed to the macro view of Functionalism and Marxism. As with everything it is felt that education can be of great use although it completely depends on the individual and their motivation and determination to succeed. They accept that there are other reasons for education such as secondary socialisation and that not every individual is offered the same life chances. However the view is based more so on the individual themselves. Education offers individuals the chance to show their potential. It socialises in all walks of life and in many different ways such as academically, emotionally, physically and morally. It is true that education is used for other purposes solely than just to educate, and education as with everything in life is not equally shared but it does offer an individual the chance to progress in life.