A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What does marketization in education entail?

1. Increased government funding for schools

2. Introduction of market forces, consumer choice, and competition

3. Higher salaries for teachers

4. Greater control of curricula by schools

The correct answer is: Introduction of market forces, consumer choice, and competition

Marketization in education involves the implementation of market forces, consumer choice, and competition within the educational system. This approach aims to treat schools more like businesses, promoting an environment where parents and students can choose between different schools, thereby creating competition among them. The introduction of market principles is intended to improve standards and efficiency through accountability, similar to how businesses operate in a free market. This concept encourages schools to cater to the needs and preferences of students and their families, which ideally leads to higher educational quality as schools strive to attract and retain students. Thus, when referring to marketization in education, the focus is primarily on the shift towards a system where educational institutions operate under competitive conditions, enhancing consumer choice and influencing how schools function overall. While increased government funding, higher salaries for teachers, and greater control of curricula may occur as a result of various educational policies, they do not encapsulate the core idea of marketization, which is fundamentally about the role of market dynamics in the education sector.