Sociology
2. The Role of Education in Society
4) Neoliberalism and the New Right Perspective on Education
Neoliberalism
Is an economic doctrine that has a major influence on education policy
They argue that the state should not provide services such as education, health and welfare
Their ideas have influenced all governments since 1979 (Coalition, Conservative and Labour)
It is based on the idea that the state must not: dictate competition, privatise state-run businesses or
regulate markets.
They argue that the value of education lies in how well it enables the country to compete in the
global marketplace
They claim that this can only be achieved if schools become more like businesses, empowering
parent and pupils, as consumers and using competition between schools to drive up standards.
The New Right
Conservative political view that incorporates neoliberal economic ideas.
Can be seen as ‘worried functionalists’ as their core principle in centralised upon the belief the state
cannot meet people’s needs and that people are best left to meet their own needs through the free
market (an economic system in which the government takes a laissez faire approach – not
interfering in business activity). And as such, the free market is competition between schools, and
the marketisation of education – and as such incentivising improvements and improving the country.
NR and Functionalism have similarities:
- Both believe that some are naturally more talented by others
- Both favour an education system run on meritocratic principles of open competition and one
that servers the needs of the economy by preparing young people for work.
- Both believe that education should socialise pupils into shared values, such as competition
and instil a sense of national identity
, Sociology
2. The Role of Education in Society
4) Neoliberalism and the New Right Perspective on Education
FUNCTIONS
SOCIALISATION:
The New Right think that the role of Education is to socialise and gain new skills
Socialisation – Education should pass on the shared national culture to ensure the status quo is
maintained and traditions remain
Skills – Education should give the students the skills for jobs so that families are self-reliant, thus
achieving the New Right’s goal of abolishment of the welfare state (as they believe it is abused).
They believe that men should be the primary earners and be equipped by education to provide for
their families
The New Right think, and are worried that education is not adequately performing these functions
Wolf Review -2011 Review of Vocational Education listed many limitations of the system – with less
than 50% of pupils achieving A*-C in English and Maths, (which is seen as fundamental to young
people’s prospects), and those not achieving were funnelled into inferior vocational qualifications.
The NR believe that education is not teaching correct behavioural skills for jobs
The NR believe that people will not be able to live in the real world
The NR say that state control is not good enough
State control of education has resulted in inefficiency and a lack of business initiative – schools are
not trying hard enough, and standards are slipping, this is because schools know they will get state
funding so there is little incentive to improve
Schools have not given pupils the skills they need for employment. This means too many people
have ended up out of work and on benefits (NEETs). -> I.E. In 2017, 20% of 16-24 year olds in
Huddersfield were classed as NEET. (NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING – NEET)
A dependency culture has developed has people rely too much on the welfare state
State Sector (eg NHS) Private Sector (corporations, such as BP/BT)
Not for profit and government Run for Profit, with salaries paid through profit
owned/maintained, with salaries paid for with by the business owners.
taxes. There is believed to be little incentive to Have grades, rankings and league tables
improve as there is no gain through incentivising greater performance and economic
improvement (NR Perspective) achievement (as well as other achievements, eg
in schools Progress 8 indicators).
THE NR ARGUE THAT THE FUNCTIONALIST BELIEF OF SOCIALISATION IS FLAWED BECAUSE THE
CURRENT EDUCATION SYSTEM IS NOT ACHIEVING THESE GOALS AND CULMINATING IN THE
WELFARE STATE. IN THE (NR) VIEW, THIS IS BECAUSE EDUCATION IS STATE RUN AND NOT
PRIVATISED.
2. The Role of Education in Society
4) Neoliberalism and the New Right Perspective on Education
Neoliberalism
Is an economic doctrine that has a major influence on education policy
They argue that the state should not provide services such as education, health and welfare
Their ideas have influenced all governments since 1979 (Coalition, Conservative and Labour)
It is based on the idea that the state must not: dictate competition, privatise state-run businesses or
regulate markets.
They argue that the value of education lies in how well it enables the country to compete in the
global marketplace
They claim that this can only be achieved if schools become more like businesses, empowering
parent and pupils, as consumers and using competition between schools to drive up standards.
The New Right
Conservative political view that incorporates neoliberal economic ideas.
Can be seen as ‘worried functionalists’ as their core principle in centralised upon the belief the state
cannot meet people’s needs and that people are best left to meet their own needs through the free
market (an economic system in which the government takes a laissez faire approach – not
interfering in business activity). And as such, the free market is competition between schools, and
the marketisation of education – and as such incentivising improvements and improving the country.
NR and Functionalism have similarities:
- Both believe that some are naturally more talented by others
- Both favour an education system run on meritocratic principles of open competition and one
that servers the needs of the economy by preparing young people for work.
- Both believe that education should socialise pupils into shared values, such as competition
and instil a sense of national identity
, Sociology
2. The Role of Education in Society
4) Neoliberalism and the New Right Perspective on Education
FUNCTIONS
SOCIALISATION:
The New Right think that the role of Education is to socialise and gain new skills
Socialisation – Education should pass on the shared national culture to ensure the status quo is
maintained and traditions remain
Skills – Education should give the students the skills for jobs so that families are self-reliant, thus
achieving the New Right’s goal of abolishment of the welfare state (as they believe it is abused).
They believe that men should be the primary earners and be equipped by education to provide for
their families
The New Right think, and are worried that education is not adequately performing these functions
Wolf Review -2011 Review of Vocational Education listed many limitations of the system – with less
than 50% of pupils achieving A*-C in English and Maths, (which is seen as fundamental to young
people’s prospects), and those not achieving were funnelled into inferior vocational qualifications.
The NR believe that education is not teaching correct behavioural skills for jobs
The NR believe that people will not be able to live in the real world
The NR say that state control is not good enough
State control of education has resulted in inefficiency and a lack of business initiative – schools are
not trying hard enough, and standards are slipping, this is because schools know they will get state
funding so there is little incentive to improve
Schools have not given pupils the skills they need for employment. This means too many people
have ended up out of work and on benefits (NEETs). -> I.E. In 2017, 20% of 16-24 year olds in
Huddersfield were classed as NEET. (NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING – NEET)
A dependency culture has developed has people rely too much on the welfare state
State Sector (eg NHS) Private Sector (corporations, such as BP/BT)
Not for profit and government Run for Profit, with salaries paid through profit
owned/maintained, with salaries paid for with by the business owners.
taxes. There is believed to be little incentive to Have grades, rankings and league tables
improve as there is no gain through incentivising greater performance and economic
improvement (NR Perspective) achievement (as well as other achievements, eg
in schools Progress 8 indicators).
THE NR ARGUE THAT THE FUNCTIONALIST BELIEF OF SOCIALISATION IS FLAWED BECAUSE THE
CURRENT EDUCATION SYSTEM IS NOT ACHIEVING THESE GOALS AND CULMINATING IN THE
WELFARE STATE. IN THE (NR) VIEW, THIS IS BECAUSE EDUCATION IS STATE RUN AND NOT
PRIVATISED.
