1
4 marks
Outline two similarities between the functionalist and Marxist views of education.
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Roles & Functions of Education (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions
Exam code: 7192
2 hours11 questions
2
4 marks
Outline two advantages of vocational education.
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3
4 marks
Outline two ways in which schools may promote competition between pupils.
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4
6 marks
Outline three ways in which the education system may be seen as patriarchal.
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5
6 marks
Outline three functions that the education system performs for society.
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6
6 marks
Outline three ways in which the characteristics of schools may be similar to the characteristics of workplaces.
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1
30 marks
Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
From a Marxist perspective, the education system supports capitalism. Marxists claim that schools transmit ideology that benefits the ruling class. Schools also reproduce existing class inequalities in the next generation. Marxists generally see pupils as passive in this process.
However, functionalists argue that the education system is meritocratic and schools provide all pupils with opportunities to succeed. They also claim that the values taught in schools benefit all members of society.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the usefulness of Marxist perspectives in understanding the role of education.
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2
10 marks
Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.
Item A
Throughout their schooling pupils are told that everyone has the same opportunity to succeed. Schools prepare pupils for the workplace.
Sociologists suggest that the hidden curriculum may help to reproduce the social class structure.
Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways that the hidden curriculum may help to reproduce the social class structure.
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3
30 marks
Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Some sociologists, such as functionalists, claim that the education system is based on meritocratic principles and provides all pupils with the opportunity to succeed. Pupils, whatever their background, are objectively assessed through the examination process.
Other sociologists claim that meritocracy is a myth. The education system ensures that existing social inequalities are reproduced in each generation.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the view that the education system is meritocratic.
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4
10 marks
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 minority. Capitalism continues to exist because each new generation of workers is forced to undertake low-paid, alienating work to survive. This makes capitalism potentially unstable, since it depends on the proletariat not seeking to overthrow this unequal system.
Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which the education system might serve the needs of capitalism.
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5
30 marks
Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.
Item B
Sociologists agree that education transmits ideas and values. However, they disagree about the nature of these ideas and values, and who benefits from this process. For example, feminists argue that education transmits patriarchal ideology, and that this benefits men.
Other sociologists argue that the education system has become fragmented and transmits a diverse range of ideas and values.
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of the role of education in transmitting ideas and values.
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