Sociological Approaches
to Education
Marxism
Karl Marx
Marxism
Developed by Karl
Marx in the 19th
century
 Marx and Engels
wrote the famous
“Communist
Manifesto” in 1846
 Marx developed the
political system
known as
Communism
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Marxism
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When considering
Marxist theory it is
useful to remember
the 3 Cs;
Class
Conflict
Capitalism
These provide a
“baseline” to Marxist
theory
Class -the basis of Marxist theory
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Marx was concerned by the
inequalities between social
classes
A very small proportion of
wealthy people owned huge
amounts of land and factories
Marx called these people the
BOURGEOISIE and the land or
factories they owned the
MEANS OF PRODUCTION
Most of the people worked for
the Bourgeoisie as waged
labourers
The basis of Marxist theory
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These waged labourers were
named the PROLETARIAT and
were exploited, claimed Marx,
by the bourgeoisie as they
earned only enough money to
survive.
All the Proletariat owned was
their labour and thus had no
control over their working lives
and no share in the profits
Factory production lines meant
they became “alienated” from
their craft
Class, conflict and capitalism
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The differences between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat
demonstrate a wide class division.
According to Marx, the interests of the bourgeoisie or ruling class
were protected and promoted.
The ensuing social inequalities caused conflict in society.
Capitalism also causes conflict of interest between the classes.
The need for the bourgeoisie to make profits is in conflict with the
need of the proletariat to earn enough money to have decent living
standards.
Profits certainly came first during the Industrial Revolution.
The bourgeoisie became extremely wealthy while the proletariat
worked long hours for little pay and lived in squalor.
How does Education fit in with
Marxism?
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Why did the proletariat put up with these harsh and
unfair conditions?
Marx believed the proletariat existed in a state of FALSE
CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS – they accepted their life and
situation as inevitable
Capitalist Ideology, gave legal protection to the
bougeoisie and taught the proletariat that powerful
members of society deserved respect
This is described as Hegemony – the dominant culture
based on a set of fixed beliefs
How was this ideology transmitted? Through institutions
such as Religion, Government, Family and
EDUCATION
Is Marxism still relevant?
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Marx was describing a society
150 years ago but modern
Marxists believe his ideas to be
broadly true
Social classes are not as
sharply divided now but harsh
inequalities remain
Modern Marxists believe that
the education system is one of
the main agents of control,
depriving working class
children of opportunities to
improve their situation