Theories of education (functionalist, Marxist, feminist)

AQA

GCSE

Candidates must analyse structuralist perspectives on the role of education in society. The study contrasts Functionalist views of education as a benign agent of socialisation and meritocratic role allocation (Durkheim, Parsons) against Conflict theories. Marxist interpretations (Althusser, Bowles & Gintis) frame education as an Ideological State Apparatus reproducing class inequality, while Feminist perspectives argue it reinforces patriarchal dominance. Assessment requires evaluation of these theories' utility in explaining contemporary educational differential achievement and policy.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'particularistic values', 'correspondence principle', 'glass ceiling').
Credit responses that successfully apply theoretical concepts to the specific context of the question (e.g., linking Marxist theory to vocational education).
Candidates must evaluate theoretical claims, not just describe them; look for juxtaposition of perspectives (e.g., criticizing Functionalist meritocracy using Marxist evidence of class reproduction).
For 12-mark questions, reward the explicit integration of the provided 'Item' to drive the argument.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award marks for explicit use of sociological terminology (e.g., 'particularistic values', 'correspondence principle', 'glass ceiling').
Credit responses that successfully apply theoretical concepts to the specific context of the question (e.g., linking Marxist theory to vocational education).
Candidates must evaluate theoretical claims, not just describe them; look for juxtaposition of perspectives (e.g., criticizing Functionalist meritocracy using Marxist evidence of class reproduction).
For 12-mark questions, reward the explicit integration of the provided 'Item' to drive the argument.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡In 12-mark questions, ensure the conclusion provides a definitive judgment on 'how far' the statement holds true, rather than just summarizing.
💡Use the 'Item' immediately in the first paragraph to secure AO2 application marks.
💡Structure 'Discuss' answers with a clear 'For' and 'Against' approach, ensuring theoretical rebuttal is present in every paragraph.
💡Memorize specific sociologist names (e.g., Parsons, Durkheim, Ball, Willis) to move responses from generic to academic.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the 'hidden curriculum' with the formal curriculum.
Presenting anecdotal or 'common sense' arguments rather than sociological theory (e.g., 'school is good for jobs' vs 'school performs role allocation').
Failing to critique the theory in the question (e.g., describing Functionalism perfectly but failing to mention Marxist or Feminist counter-arguments in a 'Discuss' question).
Attributing the 'Correspondence Principle' to Functionalists rather than Marxists.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Identify

Describe

Explain

Discuss

Evaluate

To what extent

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