No one in the Smith family has ever gone to university. Each child is taught the family trade as they come of age. By comparison, the Jones family has three generations of lawyers, all educated at the top university in Canada. This is an example of which conflict theory?
A)The education system ensures that the family business/profession is continued.
B)The education system ensures equal opportunity for all family members.
C) The education system ensures that the disadvantaged stay disadvantaged.
D) The education system ensures that hard work is rewarded.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates the conflict theory that the education system perpetuates social inequality by allowing families with privilege and resources to pass their advantages down through generations, while disadvantaged families struggle to overcome barriers to higher education. The Jones family's multi-generational success in law is an example of this perpetuation of advantage, while the Smith family's lack of university-educated members suggests a lack of access to education and opportunity.

No One in the Smith Family Has Ever Gone to University