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THE NEW RIGHT

Education

The New Right Perspective

1980s

“Restructure the national workforce”

The New Right is a strand of Conservatism.

INDUSTRY should be free of state intervention.

THATCHER ON EDUCATION

COMPETITION and CHOICE

New Right Thinking…

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NEW RIGHT IDEOLOGY

Freedom of choice

Minimal state involvement

Free Market – Laissez-faire economics

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SIMILARITIES TO FUNCTIONALISM

Structural theory- looks at the big picture (meta-narrative).

Consensus theory – how society works.

Stratification- Some people have more ability than others, they should do different

jobs.

Education plays an important role in socialisation- shared

values.

Meritocracy- effort and ability= success

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DIFFERENCE FROM FUNCTIONALISM

New Right are interested in HOW the education system is organised.

Marketisation of education.

Functionalists are only interested in its functions for individuals and society in general.

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Marketisation

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Super market A

Super market B

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CHUBB AND MOE (1990)American sociologists

Findings:• Disadvantaged groups being failed by the education

system.• State education fails to create equal opportunities.• State education fails to instil the correct skills for the

economy.

• Private schools = high quality education because they are answerable to their consumers.

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MARKETISATION

Each family should be given a voucher to spend on the education of their choice.

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EDUCATION REFORM ACT (1998)

Parents given choice.Schools encouraged to compete.League Tables.Prospectuses.OFSTEDNational Curriculum.SATs

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GEOFF WHITTY (1998)

Marketisation has not led to more choice or opportunities for working class families.

Marketisation has led to more opportunities for the middle classes to use their wealth and knowledge more effectively.