A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What role does the hidden curriculum play in education according to Marxist theory?

1. It promotes teamwork and collaboration

2. It cultivates awareness of social justice

3. It enforces acceptance of societal norms and hierarchies

4. It enhances critical thinking skills

The correct answer is: It enforces acceptance of societal norms and hierarchies

The hidden curriculum plays a crucial role in education according to Marxist theory by enforcing acceptance of societal norms and hierarchies. Marxists argue that formal education is not just about academic learning; it also serves as a means of social control. Through the hidden curriculum, students are taught unwritten rules and expectations that reinforce the dominant culture and socio-economic disparities. For instance, behaviors such as punctuality, obedience to authority, and conformity are cultivated in schools, which reflect and uphold the existing social order. This ensures that students internalize the values of the ruling class, which maintains their position in society. The hidden curriculum thus functions to perpetuate inequality by socializing students into accepting their roles within the hierarchical structure, training them to respect and abide by authority, and preparing them for the labor market in a way that supports capitalist interests.