A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

How do Marxists contrast with Functionalists regarding socialization agencies?

1. Marxists argue for the importance of economic factors

2. Functionalists emphasize individual agency

3. Marxists focus on the Ideological State Apparatus

4. Functionalists prioritize cultural norms exclusively

The correct answer is: Marxists focus on the Ideological State Apparatus

Marxists focus on the Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) as a key component in socialization, emphasizing how institutions such as schools, media, and religious organizations propagate dominant ideologies that serve to maintain the power of the ruling class. This concept illustrates how socialization is not simply about individual development or integration into society but is also a mechanism through which social control is exerted. By internalizing the beliefs and values of the dominant group, individuals are socialized into roles that perpetuate the existing class structures, often masking the underlying inequalities of capitalism. In contrast, Functionalists view socialization primarily as a means of maintaining social order and cohesion, where agencies such as family, education, and media contribute to the stability of society by promoting shared norms and values. While both perspectives acknowledge the role of socialization, Marxists critically assess it as a tool for perpetuating class dominance, whereas Functionalists see it as a positive force that helps to integrate individuals into a collective social framework. Other options either misrepresent the focus of these theoretical approaches or oversimplify the dynamics of agency and culture within society, failing to capture the complexity of the Marxist view on socialization and its critical aspects.