A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What is a potential criticism from Marxists regarding the New Right's perspective on education?

1. It promotes equality among students

2. It solely focuses on improving school standards

3. It ignores the influence of the ruling class

4. It emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity

The correct answer is: It ignores the influence of the ruling class

The New Right perspective on education advocates for market-based reforms, a focus on standards and accountability, and competitive practices within schools. However, from a Marxist viewpoint, a significant criticism is that the New Right's approach largely overlooks the influence of the ruling class and the structural inequalities entrenched in society. Marxists argue that education is a mechanism through which the ruling class maintains its power and perpetuates class divisions. They believe that the New Right's emphasis on individualism and competition fails to acknowledge how social class affects access to quality education and resources, leading to a reproduction of class inequalities. By ignoring the impact that the ruling class has on education policy and funding, the New Right's perspective is seen as superficial and inadequate for addressing the fundamental issues of inequality that exist within the education system. This critical lens highlights the importance of understanding how economic and social power dynamics shape educational experiences and opportunities, making it clear why this option resonates with Marxist theory.