Answer to Question #248005 in Sociology for Holi

Question

What are some ways that a conflict theorist would say that educational institutions perpetuate class differences?

Answer 1

Education institutions, according to conflict theorists, do not reduce social inequality. Rather, they argue that education promotes and maintains social inequities caused by variations in class, gender, race, and ethnicity. Whereas functionalists perceive education as having a positive impact, conflict theorists see it as having a detrimental impact. Educational systems, they believe, maintain the status quo by forcing persons of lesser social position to obey. The success of one's education is inextricably tied to one's social class. Students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are rarely given the same opportunities as students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds, regardless of their academic ability or desire to learn.