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Read Item A below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Read Item A below and answer the question that follows. Item A According to Marx, capitalism is based on the ownership of the means of production by a wealthy mino... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item A below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Two ways in which the education system might serve the needs of capitalism: 1. Reproducing Class Inequality
Answer
The education system serves the needs of capitalism by reproducing class inequality. This is evident in how working-class students often receive a different quality of education compared to their middle-class counterparts. Educational institutions can create a system where the curriculum is tailored to instill values that favor capitalism, thereby conditioning the working class to accept their roles within the capitalist structure. In this way, the education system maintains the existing economic hierarchy by ensuring that the proletariat does not challenge their socio-economic status.
Step 2
Two ways in which the education system might serve the needs of capitalism: 2. Preparing Individuals for Low-Paid Work
Answer
Another way the education system serves capitalism is by preparing individuals for low-paid work. The vocational training and courses often provided in education systems are aligned with the needs of the labor market, especially those sectors that require low-skilled labor. This preparation effectively leads students into positions that do not challenge the capitalist system, as it limits their opportunities for upward mobility. By focusing on skills that are in demand, education ensures a compliant workforce, thus serving the needs of capitalism.