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Theories Of Education

Positivism and Interpretivism

Positivist approaches to social research are quantitative, ‘scientific’, objective.

Interpretivists criticise Positivist’s reliance on statistics (they are socially constructed)

Interpretivist approaches to social research = qualitative, empathetic, micro

Key example = Douglas’ study of the multiple meanings of suicide.

Positivists criticise Interpretivist research because it’s too subjective, not authoritative.

Functionalism

Durkheim’s functionalism – social facts and anomie

Parson’s systems theory – the organic analogy and social evolution

Merton’s internal critique of functionalism – latent and manifest functions

Functionalism applied to the family – Murdock’s four universal functions, Parson’s functional fit theory and the two irreducible functions of the family – socialisation and the stabilisation of adult personalities

Functionalism applied to education – meritocracy, social solidarity, school as a bridge between home and society (particularistic and universalistic values)

Functionalism applied to Crime and Deviance – Durkheim’s three positive functions of crime, strain theory, consensus subcultural theories.

Functionalism and Modernisation Theory – Parson’s traditional and modern values and the evolutionary model of society

Marxism

Karl Marx – the basics: bourgeoisie and proletariat, exploitation, alienation, false consciousness, revolution.

Gramsci’s humanistic Marxism – hegemony, dual consciousness and organic intellectuals

Althusser’s structuralist Marxism – the repressive state apparatus.

Marxism applied to the Family – capitalism, private property and the family, The family as a safe haven, ideological functions, also see Marxist Feminism

Marxism applied to education – the ideological state apparatus, reproduction of class inequality, legitimation of class inequality, correspondence principle

Marxism applied to Crime and Deviance – • Private Property and Crime, The costs of Corporate Crime, Selective Law Enforcement, Criminogenic Captialism („Dog Eat Dog“ Society)

Marxism applied to Global Development – Colonialism and Slavery, The Modern World System, Unfair trade rules, TNC exploitation

Marxism and Research Methods – Social Class, Comparative Analysis, Objectivity/ Critical Research.