The Contrasting Views of Education from the Marxists and Functionalists Perspective.

Authors Avatar by rahul51 (student)

The Contrasting Views of Education from the Marxists and Functionalists Perspective.

        Schools are quintessential to modern society; they create a foundation that can dictate the future of an individual’s life. Within modern society, school is the first organisation that one would join; in developed countries, schooling is compulsory. The process of socialisation in the family is continued within the education system. Societies are a reflection of their education system. However, due to the large impact education has on society there is a vulnerability of manipulation. Many sociologists have evaluated the education system and expressed their perspective. The two most widely expressed theories are Marxism (the conflict theory) and Functionalism. Both theories look at society from a macrosociology viewpoint, but both have very contrasting views on society and more importantly on education.

        Functionalism is a social theoretical perspective, as with any theory, functionalism tries to explain why the world is the way it is. It views society in a macro viewpoint; functionalism is a broad analysis of society as a whole.  Functionalism suggests that society is interdependent and that all parts of society contribute positively to maintain social order. All parts of society are essential much like a ‘well-oiled machine’ and society must be harmonious. Society is much like an ‘assembly line’, for the product to be manufactured many individuals must process it before the final produce is produced; this means all processes are essential in producing the product. Functionalist would use an ‘organic analogy’ to explain functionalism. The ‘organic analogy’ is the comparison of society to the human body, for the human body to function idealistically all organs must function correctly. However, if an organ does not function correctly, it would have an effect on other organs; this would result in the rest of the body being affected. If an aspect of society such as education were not to function correctly, other aspect would be affected. Functionalism is a non-conflict theory where society creates consensus to function.

        Functionalism originates from the works of Emile Durkheim, who was a French sociologist (1858-1917). Durkheim is referred to as the father of sociology as he pioneered the study of society. His research worked as a foundation for many other sociologists who later expanded upon Durkheim’s views.  

        Marxism is contradictory to the functionalist; it is also a theory that views society in a macro perspective. Marxism suggests that society is in constant conflict, the working class (proletariat) are in constant conflict with the ruling class (bourgeoisie). The conflict occurs because the ruling class abuse their powers over the working class. The ruling class own the ‘means of production’. In order to survive the working class must work; this means the working class must be sub-servant towards the ruling class whom employ them. Hierarchy is evident because the ruling class will normally earn more money than the working class and have the power to fire the working class. The working class must accept their position in society In order to survive. The government also enforces the repression in the work place with the ‘superstructure’ this consists of: laws, education, family, media and religion. Members of the government are the ruling class so there for it is in there interest to maintain their place in society by repressing the working class. The working class are also ‘brainwashed’ into thinking that they can become the ruling class. Marxism believes meritocracy is a myth that serves only the status quo. Society is characterised by disagreement and conflict between social groups.

Join now!

        The Marxists perspective originates from the works of Karl Marx (1818-1883) who was a German sociologist and philosopher. Marx collaborated with Friedrich Engels to work on the theory of capitalism. Both were subject to deportation for their work. Marx and his family lived in extreme poverty as they were forced to relocation financially crippled him. There are many variations of Marxism and many within Marxism do have contrasting views, but the ideology of social equality is universal.

        The very first form of socialisation one would encounter would be within the family. Curtain behaviours are promoted and curtain behaviours are not. ...

This is a preview of the whole essay