A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What role does the national curriculum serve according to New Right theorists?

1. It focuses on vocational training alone

2. It provides a framework for multicultural education

3. It establishes a foundation for shared cultural values

4. It assesses educational outcomes of private schools

The correct answer is: It establishes a foundation for shared cultural values

The correct answer highlights that New Right theorists view the national curriculum as establishing a foundation for shared cultural values. This perspective emphasizes the importance of instilling a common set of values and beliefs in students, which is seen as essential for social cohesion and national identity. By advocating a standardized curriculum, New Right thinkers argue that education can promote a sense of belonging and common purpose among citizens, which is particularly crucial in a multicultural society. The focus of New Right theorists on shared cultural values contrasts with the idea of vocational training alone, which is more limited in scope and does not address broader societal goals. Similarly, while multicultural education is an important aspect of modern discourse, New Right theorists typically emphasize assimilation into a dominant culture rather than a multicultural approach. Additionally, assessing educational outcomes, particularly in relation to private schools, does not capture the primary aim of the national curriculum as understood by New Right advocates, who are more concerned with the overarching content of education rather than the performance metrics of specific institutions.