According to Stephens et al. (1998, p. 205), ‘The argument that education in capitalist society is a tool of ruling-class ideology underpins Marxist theory.’ It is this imbalance of power and the resulting social inequalities that conflict theorists on education examine, according to Jennings and Hartman (2003, p. 58). Moreover, Stephens et al. (1998, p. 205) note that marxists assert that education is used to distinguish between middle and upper class workforce entrants from those of the working c

Bowles and Gintis (1976, p. 266) refer to the social reproduction theory as a ‘Correspondence Principle’ between schooling and career. This theory suggests that school and careers are closely related and that this correlation is essential for the production of an efficient workforce. For example, the hierarchical structure at school, with the principle at the top and the pupil at the bottom can correspond with life in the workforce where the manager or boss is located at the top and the manual staff at the bottom. Pupils also have little control over what they learn, when they learn it and how; this is, to some extent, decided by the teacher and the curriculum. This is much the same in the workforce where a person may have little option over their task and is set tasks by people above them in the hierarchy.

Feminists take an interest in the way in which the hidden curriculum can promote sexism and stereotyping of girls. Stephens et al. (1998, p. 220), articulate an example in which girls’ progress in the subject of maths can be hindered by the unspoken assumption that boys are better at maths than girls when the maths teacher asks the boys the more challenging questions and in greater number. Such intentional or unintentional harm to girls’ self-concept and their life chances may not only reinforce male domination but may also serve to reinforce stereotyping. There remains much that could be discussed relating to the feminist and conflict perspectives and their links to education; however, this is restricted due to the confines of this paper.

Some topics in this essay:
Van Krieken, Jennings Hartman, Marxist Socialist, Bowles Gintis, Moreover Stephens, Capitalist America’, According Stephens, Feminist Perspective, et al, van krieken, al 2000, krieken et al, et al 2000, krieken et, van krieken et, al 1998, stephens et al, stephens et, hidden curriculum, bowles gintis, et al 1998, gintis 1976, 1976 van, Europe China,