'The Book' - Blog 18

Chapter 5 continued...

The authors are stating that the capitalist system cannot satisfy all the needs of individuals, as new needs continually arise. This cannot be the only force that perpetuates the social consciousness that keeps capitalism running due to the tension that is created from needs not being met. The authors think that social relationships must be consciously organized to facilitate the reporduction of consciousness. The main force is the conscious organization of social relationships, through the capitalist controlling and forcing these relationships, that arise from the division of labour. These direct forces which reproduce the social consciousness is supplemented by the family and educational institutions.

The education system fosters certain behaviors and capabilities that fit into the hierarchical division of labour, while thwarting others.

1. Schooling produces many of the technical and cognitive skills required for adequate job performance.

2. Education system helps legitimize economic inequality .

3. Schools produce and reward characteristics and behaviors that are relevant to staffing positions in the hierarchy.

4. Through patterns of status distinctions, schools reinforce the fragmented consciousness.

I feel that education today is focusing more on individualism than it may have in the past. Through out the education degree it has been made clear that it is a necessity to differentiate ones instruction with-in the classroom. The specialization I have taken: Career Coaching Across the Curriculum has its focus rooted in developing ones self, which is a crucial aspect of what ones career path will be. The Government of Alberta has mandated that this process of self discovery starts in Kindergarten and continues right through to grade 12. It is clear that we as teachers must give our students life skills, not just career skills, in order to have a life that is well rounded. There is a stress on helping students create life styles that does not just revolve around work.

Sometimes I feel that the authors do not pay enough homage to the positive value of the capitalist system. By this I mean I think that there is some intrinsic value at seeking these materialistic needs and the way that the capitalist system allows these needs to be fulfilled. Now a days it seems that it is a lot easier to become ones own boss, and the attainment of dreams. Breaking through the class structure one is in seems more feasible. Since this book has been written there has been drastic social change and it seems that there is more value put on the idea and not who the idea has come from.

This reproduction of consciousness which the education system is fostering is not attributed to the dictates of technology, the most efficient way to run the economy (chapter three.) Or the developmental capacities of individuals (chapter four.) The education system is not geared towards the fulfillment of ones self but it looks to satisfy the needs of the capitalist class.

Next the authors look at the correspondence principal.