NEW RIGHT AND THIRD WAY
THEORIES OF EDUCATION
1. Tutorials
2. Summary of homework on Feminism
3. Presentation: Introduction to New Right
4.
5.
6.
7.
Theory
Video on New Labour and Education
Presentation: Introduction to Third Way
Approach
Summative Video on Sociological
perspectives on Education
Worksheet: Cut out and group descriptions,
criticisms on to a poster
New Right Theory of
Education
 Lots of similarities with Functionalist Perspective
 Sociologists such as Peter Saunders promote
competition between pupils and teachers,
schools (league teables, sats tests, targets).
 Argue it drives achievement and productivity in
society and economy.
 Idea of ‘choice’ and ‘selection’ in Education*
 Education is linked to the economy: In the
1980’s government attempted to link education
to the economy with yts schemes, a national
curriculum, and drive for vocational training (ie
jobs in cookery, mechanics, hairdressing).
 Attempt to make education like a business.
Activity!
 On your worksheet, in pairs or groups identify
the descriptions for new right theory.
 Cut them out, then on a poster , group and
stick the correct descriptions , criticisms,
differences and comparisons .
 Make sure you allow room on this poster for
the next theory (Third Way)
The Third Way (New Labour)
 The Third Way
 Outlined by Anthony Giddens .
 After rejection of new right in 1997, New Labour

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elected.
Tony Blair argued this approach was ‘the third way’ *
A third way between New right and Socialism
Mixture of social democratic ideals to fight
inequality in education with principles of free
market, choice, de regulation.
New Right idea of selective schools continued,
targets and league tables. Private Finance brought
into education
Sure Start Scheme (16hr free childcare for under 5’s),
Education Action Zones ( deprived areas designated
for extra help and money), EMA (allowances for
poorer students).
Activity!
 On your worksheet, in pairs or groups identify
the descriptions for the Third Way.
 Cut them out, then on a poster , group and
stick the correct descriptions , criticisms,
differences and comparisons together.
Summary!
 Return to your nearly completed poster!
 List at least 2 examples from the mass media
(internet) or from your own knowledge that
can be used to……
 Refute and support New Right Theory
 Refute or support Third Way Theory