Influences On The Curriculum: The Social Construction Of Knowledge (Copy)
Influences on the Curriculum: Social Construction of Knowledge
Core Idea
| Concept | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Social Construction | Knowledge in the curriculum is not neutral; it reflects social, political, and cultural influences. | History curriculum emphasising national pride. |
| Selection of Knowledge | Decisions about what counts as “important knowledge” are made by those in power. | Literature syllabus dominated by Western male authors. |
| Exclusion of Knowledge | Some perspectives or groups are marginalised or ignored. | Limited focus on women’s or minority contributions. |
Functionalist View
| Perspective | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission of Shared Values | Curriculum reflects collective values to maintain social solidarity. | Civic education teaching laws and rights. |
| Universal Knowledge | Belief that curriculum reflects what everyone needs to know. | Standardised maths and science teaching. |
Marxist View
| Perspective | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ideological Control | Curriculum serves ruling-class interests. | Economics curriculum emphasising capitalism. |
| Cultural Reproduction | Middle-class culture transmitted as “legitimate.” | Standard English valued over dialects. |
| Hidden Curriculum | Norms like obedience, punctuality, and hierarchy reinforce workplace values. | Students punished for lateness. |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Feminist View
| Perspective | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Patriarchal Bias | Curriculum reflects male-dominated perspectives. | Science textbooks focusing mainly on male scientists. |
| Gender Socialisation | Subjects guide boys and girls into different roles. | Boys pushed towards STEM, girls towards arts/care roles. |
| Reform Efforts | Feminist campaigns push for inclusion of women’s contributions. | Introduction of women’s studies modules. |
Postmodernist View
| Perspective | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Diversity of Knowledge | No single truth; curriculum should reflect multiple perspectives. | Multicultural literature in English syllabus. |
| Consumer Choice | Curriculum shaped by demand and choice in education market. | Optional subjects like media studies. |
| Criticism of Meta-Narratives | Challenges “grand stories” of science, progress, or religion. | Curriculum offering alternative worldviews. |
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course
Mechanisms of Curriculum Influence
| Factor | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Political | Governments decide priorities. | National curriculum reforms promoting patriotism. |
| Economic | Curriculum reflects needs of labour market. | Focus on STEM subjects for global competitiveness. |
| Cultural | Dominant culture prioritised over minority perspectives. | Eurocentric history taught in colonised nations. |
| Globalisation | International influences shape knowledge priorities. | English as global language in schools. |
Quick Revision Phrases
- “Curriculum = socially constructed, not neutral.”
- “Marxists: reflects ruling class; Feminists: reflects patriarchy.”
- “Postmodernists: curriculum must reflect diversity.”
- “Politics, economy, and culture shape what is taught.”
Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change A2 Level Sociology Full Scale Course