Question
Download Solution PDFComprehension
Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on it:
Althusser argues that no class can hold power for any length of time simply by the use of force. Ideological control provides a far more effective means of maintaining class rule. If members of the subject class accept their position as normal, natural and inevitable, and fail to realize the true nature of their situation, then they will be unlikely to challenge ruling class dominance. Physical force is an inefficient means of control compared to winning over hearts and minds. The maintenance of class rule largely depends on the reproduction of ruling class ideology. Thus Althusser argues that ‘the reproduction of labour power requires not only a reproduction of its skills, but also, at the same time a reproduction of its submission to the ruling ideology’. This submission is reproduced by a number of ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ which include the mass media, the law, religion and education. Ideological State Apparatuses transmit ruling class ideology thereby creating false class consciousness which largely maintains the subject class in its subordinate position. In pre-capitalist society, Althusser sees the church as the dominant ideological state apparatus. In capitalist society it has largely been replaced by the educational system.
Schools :
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is - Reproduce ruling class ideology
Key Points
- Reproduce ruling class ideology
- Schools play a crucial role in transmitting the ideologies and values of the ruling class to the younger generation.
- Educational institutions often embed the dominant culture and societal norms into their curricula, which reflects the interests of those in power.
- This process helps in maintaining the existing social order and legitimizing the authority of the ruling class.
- By reproducing ruling class ideology, schools contribute to the perpetuation of the status quo and the reinforcement of social hierarchies.
Additional Information
- Functionalist perspective
- The functionalist perspective views education as a means of socializing individuals and promoting social cohesion.
- It emphasizes the role of schools in transmitting shared values and norms, which are necessary for the functioning of society.
- Conflict perspective
- The conflict perspective, often associated with Karl Marx, argues that education serves to reproduce the inequalities and power dynamics of the capitalist system.
- It suggests that schools perpetuate the interests of the ruling class by shaping the consciousness of students in ways that support the existing economic and social structures.
- Hidden curriculum
- The hidden curriculum refers to the implicit lessons and values that are taught in schools, which are not part of the formal curriculum.
- These lessons often reinforce societal norms and the dominant ideology, contributing to the reproduction of social inequality.