INTERACTIONIST / NEO MARXIST views on education

What is the interactionist view on the role of education?

Educational success is based on student’s self concept - this is impacted by other people/teachers/students.

How does the interactionist view link to labelling theory?

As teachers can affect student’s self-concepts, if they are negatively labelling this can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies where the students becomes the negative label.

How does interactionism say the school system could be improved?

Teachers should have training on labelling - praise used more than punishments and reinforcement of a growth mindset so students know they aren’t limited in their achievement.

What are criticisms for the interactionist view?

Ignores the fact that people can ignore / go again labels.

Doesn’t focus on what happens outside of the school environment that has an effect on school.

How does marxism and functionalism criticise the interactionist view?

They would argue that it is structures that impact individual success and that interactionism focuses too much on micro relationships without looking at the bigger picture.