A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What aspect of education do New Right theorists argue is essential for fostering national identity?

1. Promotion of private schooling

2. Implementation of a shared culture

3. Focus on advanced vocational training

4. Emphasis on localized educational methods

The correct answer is: Implementation of a shared culture

New Right theorists emphasize the importance of a shared culture in education as a means to foster national identity. They argue that by teaching a common set of values, beliefs, and historical knowledge, schools play a crucial role in uniting individuals within a society. This shared culture helps instill a sense of belonging and loyalty to the nation, which is vital for social cohesion. The New Right perspective suggests that education should be nationalistic and reinforce a common identity, as this promotes a stable and orderly society. In this context, while aspects like private schooling or vocational training might contribute to individual success or economic needs, they do not directly address the New Right's focus on creating a unified national identity through shared cultural teachings. Localized educational methods could also dilute this sense of a collective national identity, as they might cater more to regional interests rather than a cohesive national narrative. Thus, the promotion of a shared culture is central to the New Right's agenda for education in shaping and maintaining national identity.