A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

The selected answer points to a significant criticism of the New Right perspective on education, which emphasizes individualism and competition while often neglecting structural issues such as social inequality. Critics argue that the New Right fails to recognize how factors like socioeconomic status, family background, and resource availability can impact educational outcomes, suggesting that low standards may be more deeply rooted in systemic disparities rather than merely a result of personal failure or lack of effort. The essence of this criticism lies in the belief that education should not only be about fostering competition and personal responsibility but should also consider the broader societal context that shapes learning opportunities. This oversight can lead to policies that do not adequately address the needs of disadvantaged groups, potentially perpetuating the cycle of inequality. The other responses represent positions that do not align with the predominant critiques of the New Right. The viewpoint that the New Right promotes multicultural values is generally contrary to its focus on traditional values and a national identity. Similarly, the assertion that it benefits working-class students equally does not take into account the inherent advantages often enjoyed by middle- and upper-class students in a competitive system. Lastly, while prioritizing private schools over public education reflects a key tenet of the New Right's advocacy for market-driven solutions, it isn't a critique in itself but