HED4809
Assignment 2 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: June 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Social reproduction in Marxist theories of education
In Marxist theories of education, social reproduction refers to the way schooling helps to
continue the existing capitalist social order across generations. Schools do not only teach
academic subjects, because they also reproduce the attitudes, dispositions and beliefs
needed to maintain existing economic and political arrangements. From this view, education
supports the dominant privileged class by making the present social order appear fair,
neutral and based on opportunity, even when it continues inequality (Feinberg and Soltis,
2009: 41). Social reproduction therefore means that schools help to reproduce the economic
and political status quo by preparing learners for different places in the class structure. This
includes preparing some learners for authority and others for subordinate work, while
presenting this process as natural or merit-based. Marxists argue that schooling in capitalist
society reproduces the relations of production and helps maintain hierarchical labour
relations (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 57).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,orand
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1 Social reproduction in Marxist theories of education
In Marxist theories of education, social reproduction refers to the way schooling
helps to continue the existing capitalist social order across generations. Schools do
not only teach academic subjects, because they also reproduce the attitudes,
dispositions and beliefs needed to maintain existing economic and political
arrangements. From this view, education supports the dominant privileged class by
making the present social order appear fair, neutral and based on opportunity, even
when it continues inequality (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 41). Social reproduction
therefore means that schools help to reproduce the economic and political status
quo by preparing learners for different places in the class structure. This includes
preparing some learners for authority and others for subordinate work, while
presenting this process as natural or merit-based. Marxists argue that schooling in
capitalist society reproduces the relations of production and helps maintain
hierarchical labour relations (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 57).
1.2 False consciousness, hegemony and schooling in capitalist societies
False consciousness means that members of a subordinate class accept the ideas,
values and worldview of the dominant class as if those ideas are their own. Feinberg
and Soltis explain that false consciousness occurs when people from a subordinate
class express the viewpoint and share the values of the dominant class, which
prevents them from recognising their real class interests (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009:
48). In simple terms, people may come to believe that the system is fair, even when
it works against them.
Hegemony refers to the dominant class gaining a strong influence over the thinking
of other classes. It is not maintained only through force, but also through ideas,
culture and institutions. Feinberg and Soltis describe hegemony as a
“preponderance of influence and authority” expressed through concepts and
institutional arrangements, and they state that it exists when one class controls the
thinking of another through institutions such as the media, church and schools
(Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 48).
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 2 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: June 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Social reproduction in Marxist theories of education
In Marxist theories of education, social reproduction refers to the way schooling helps to
continue the existing capitalist social order across generations. Schools do not only teach
academic subjects, because they also reproduce the attitudes, dispositions and beliefs
needed to maintain existing economic and political arrangements. From this view, education
supports the dominant privileged class by making the present social order appear fair,
neutral and based on opportunity, even when it continues inequality (Feinberg and Soltis,
2009: 41). Social reproduction therefore means that schools help to reproduce the economic
and political status quo by preparing learners for different places in the class structure. This
includes preparing some learners for authority and others for subordinate work, while
presenting this process as natural or merit-based. Marxists argue that schooling in capitalist
society reproduces the relations of production and helps maintain hierarchical labour
relations (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 57).
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,orand
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1 Social reproduction in Marxist theories of education
In Marxist theories of education, social reproduction refers to the way schooling
helps to continue the existing capitalist social order across generations. Schools do
not only teach academic subjects, because they also reproduce the attitudes,
dispositions and beliefs needed to maintain existing economic and political
arrangements. From this view, education supports the dominant privileged class by
making the present social order appear fair, neutral and based on opportunity, even
when it continues inequality (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 41). Social reproduction
therefore means that schools help to reproduce the economic and political status
quo by preparing learners for different places in the class structure. This includes
preparing some learners for authority and others for subordinate work, while
presenting this process as natural or merit-based. Marxists argue that schooling in
capitalist society reproduces the relations of production and helps maintain
hierarchical labour relations (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 57).
1.2 False consciousness, hegemony and schooling in capitalist societies
False consciousness means that members of a subordinate class accept the ideas,
values and worldview of the dominant class as if those ideas are their own. Feinberg
and Soltis explain that false consciousness occurs when people from a subordinate
class express the viewpoint and share the values of the dominant class, which
prevents them from recognising their real class interests (Feinberg and Soltis, 2009:
48). In simple terms, people may come to believe that the system is fair, even when
it works against them.
Hegemony refers to the dominant class gaining a strong influence over the thinking
of other classes. It is not maintained only through force, but also through ideas,
culture and institutions. Feinberg and Soltis describe hegemony as a
“preponderance of influence and authority” expressed through concepts and
institutional arrangements, and they state that it exists when one class controls the
thinking of another through institutions such as the media, church and schools
(Feinberg and Soltis, 2009: 48).
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
