Theories of Education

This episode explores sociological perspectives on the role and functions of education, primarily for the AQA A Level Sociology syllabus. It systematically outlines four major viewpoints: Functionalism, which sees education as crucial for social order and stability; Marxism, which posits education reproduces class inequality; Feminism, arguing education perpetuates gender disparities; and the New Right, which critiques state education and advocates for marketisation. The document details key thinkers, concepts, strengths, and weaknesses for each perspective, concluding with guidance on structuring an essay to assess whether education's main role is to maintain social order.