Compare And Contrast Marxist and Functionalist Approaches to the Study of Education
Compare And Contrast Marxist and Functionalist Approaches to the Study of Education
Both Marxists and Functionalists see education as serving the needs of society but they differ in whether it is an industrial or capitalist society. Functionalists see education as serving the needs of an industrial society with an advanced division of labour. They believe that it is important for the functioning of society that people are slotted into work and social roles that match their abilities. They see that pupils have their abilities and talents tested in schools so that they can be channelled into roles appropriate to their abilities and training, this is known as role allocation. Marxists would disagree with this and are interested in the way education works in the interests of the ruling class in a capitalist society. They see the education system as driven by the needs of capitalism which wants a work force that is easily exploited and accepts their exploitation.