Social Democratic views on education:
Key Ideas and concepts:
A Political perspective concerned with shaping the government’s policies on
education to ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed in education.
Like functionalists, social democrats believe in meritocracy and equality of
opportunity.
A desire for meritocracy, but recognises that the educational system, as it is,
is unable to deliver.
Believe that good educational opportunities should be offered to everyone,
regardless of class or wealth, and a right for all children; provided by the state.
Believe that there is wasted potential and ability, since working-class students are
not given the opportunity to have their talents recognised within the education
system.
Like functionalists, argue that modern industry needs a more highly skilled, trained,
and specialised workforce, and they believe that education provides this.
Favour increased government funding towards education, as they believe this will
lead to a long term increase in the quality of education, which will increase the
number of skilled workers, which will enable British employers to compete
effectively with other countries.
Key sociologists:
Anthony Halsey (Halsey et al 1961, Halsey et al 1980)- After the education act 1944, which
was supposed to provide equal opportunities for all, class differences in education persisted,
with middle-class students achieving higher qualifications, and having a higher chance of
going to university than working-class students.
Critiques:
Marxists argue that socialist democrats do not acknowledge the full extent of the
causes of inequalities in the education system:
While they do recognise inequalities, their solutions involve reforms within
the education system, rather than the wider causes.
Marxists believe that inequalities in the education system are shaped by the
overall influence of a capitalist agenda, and are designed to aid the needs of
capitalism.
They believe that true equal opportunities for students of all social classes
cannot exist until a socialist society replaces capitalism.
New right believe social democrats have too great an influence on the education
system, and argue that inequalities will always be present. They believe that
government policies should focus more on raising standards for all children instead.
Key Ideas and concepts:
A Political perspective concerned with shaping the government’s policies on
education to ensure everyone has an equal chance to succeed in education.
Like functionalists, social democrats believe in meritocracy and equality of
opportunity.
A desire for meritocracy, but recognises that the educational system, as it is,
is unable to deliver.
Believe that good educational opportunities should be offered to everyone,
regardless of class or wealth, and a right for all children; provided by the state.
Believe that there is wasted potential and ability, since working-class students are
not given the opportunity to have their talents recognised within the education
system.
Like functionalists, argue that modern industry needs a more highly skilled, trained,
and specialised workforce, and they believe that education provides this.
Favour increased government funding towards education, as they believe this will
lead to a long term increase in the quality of education, which will increase the
number of skilled workers, which will enable British employers to compete
effectively with other countries.
Key sociologists:
Anthony Halsey (Halsey et al 1961, Halsey et al 1980)- After the education act 1944, which
was supposed to provide equal opportunities for all, class differences in education persisted,
with middle-class students achieving higher qualifications, and having a higher chance of
going to university than working-class students.
Critiques:
Marxists argue that socialist democrats do not acknowledge the full extent of the
causes of inequalities in the education system:
While they do recognise inequalities, their solutions involve reforms within
the education system, rather than the wider causes.
Marxists believe that inequalities in the education system are shaped by the
overall influence of a capitalist agenda, and are designed to aid the needs of
capitalism.
They believe that true equal opportunities for students of all social classes
cannot exist until a socialist society replaces capitalism.
New right believe social democrats have too great an influence on the education
system, and argue that inequalities will always be present. They believe that
government policies should focus more on raising standards for all children instead.
