1.1 External explanations

Question 1

What do sociologists who focus on external factors do?

Answer 1

They emphasise the influence of home, culture & wider society. They develop a macro-level of analysis & s structural explanation of the social class gap in educational achievement.

Question 2

What are theories of material deprivation?

Answer 2

They’re linked to economic poverty. The view is that as a result of a lack of finance in WC homes, children are deprived of material resources that would encourage educational progress therefore disadvantaging WC children.

Question 3

What are some examples of material deprivation?

Answer 3

• No/little access to technology.
• No access to textbooks.
• No access to revision resources.
• Not being able to afford uniform, shoes, bags, tutors & stationary.

Question 4

How is poverty closely linked to educational underachievement?

Answer 4

40% of failing schools are in the poorest, most deprived areas. Children from WC backgrounds are more likely to be excluded from school & lower ambition is correlated with poverty..