Educational Ideology In Matalan

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The concept I have decided to explore is ideology in relation to experiences I encountered in a retail organisation called ‘Matalan’ as a GSA. Ideology can be defined as ideas of a group that dominate but conceal the interests of another group setting a false reality; in this case management (bourgeoisie) and workers (proletariat). There were different things in place within the organisation that made me realise that ideology existed in which our conflict of interests were masked. I was taken away from thinking about what my own interests were which were basically to do as little as possible but for the most money. The true reward for hard work was hidden through gimmicks. Marx suggests that the ‘ruling ideas are in every epoch of the bourgeoisie’ …show more content…

Many traits I learned in school were mirrored in the work place. For example schools reward punctuality and obedience and discourage independence, critical awareness and thinking. Meritocracy is a key example of ideology that was represented in the work place whereby workers feel that if they work hard, they will get somewhere or move forward and this makes the proletariat feel like that it is what they want. Staff were praised regularly which takes workers away from what their real interests are, thinking that really, we should be getting more; our true worth. In a capitalist society, greed, hard work and competition are seen as a good thing and therefore if people are wealthy, we are indoctrinated to believe that they deserve it as they have worked hard. Therefore this conceals socio-economic injustice that goes unchallenged and inequalities become …show more content…

Management encouraged workers to work even harder through persuasive inspiring language, therefore one is creating more value for them when in fact, and in return, they are not getting back what they deserve. By being given these ‘so called’ motivational cards and rewards, it just keeps workers in place. This presents a sense of false consciousness that proletariat are happy with their job. Working class individuals cannot see that they are being duped and therefore do not challenge as it becomes naturalised to work

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