Class differences- External Flashcards
What do CD theorists argue happens to W/C class children due to being socialized inadequately?
CD theorists- aquire basic values, attitudes and skill that are needed for educational success through primary socialization in the family.
Many W/C families fail to socialize adequately. Children grow up socially deprived- lack the cultural equipment needed to succeed at school- FAIL AND UNDERACHIEVE.
Intellectual development: According to CD theorists why is intellectual development lacking in working class children?
They lack the book and educational toys needed to stretch their intellectual skills.
In relation to this what did Douglas Young and Basil Bernstein find?
Mother’s choice of toys affect their childs intellectual development.
M/C mothers tend to chose toys which encourage thinking and reasoning skills and prepare children for school.
Langauge: What is the link between working class children and language?
W/C children are thought to be socialised into using less advanced, academic language and so are less likely to achieve later in school.
Key Sociologist: Language and Basil Bernstein: What does Bernstein state?
He is interested in the ways in which different social classes use language and how this impacts on educational success. Bernstein comes up with 2 kinds of Language codes that impact on educational achievement- The elaborate and restricted code.
What is the restricted code?
The less advanced speaking code:
Used by the working class
*Used by working class students
*Make un-stated assumptions
*Implicit
*context bound
*Suited to communication of practical experience.
* Non standard english and slang.
What is the elaborate code?
More advanced speaking code used by the middle class:
*Universalistic
*Logical
*Explicit
*Abstract ideas
*Explanatory
What were Bernsteins findings?
Elaborate code more suitable to the demands of formal education.
Restricted code not inferior… Just different.
So Bernstein is useful because he helps us to understand one of the major questions in the sociology of education why working class students underperform in education and examinations.
Attitudes and values: What does Douglas find in relation to the working class and the value they put on education?
Attitudes and values of child’s parents- Key factor in childs educational achievement.
Douglas- w/c parents do not place high value on education compared to m/c.
Attitudes and values: Can you give examples of ways in which parents do not value their childs education?
*Less ambitious for childs career
*Less encouragment for educational achievements
*Less interest in their education
*They pay schools and teachers less visits and their childs motivation for education was less and so was their achievements.
In relation to Douglases theory what do CD theorists state?
CD believe lack of parental interest is part of a working class sunculture of disregard of education which goes a long way to explain w/c underachievement.
What is a subculture?
A group whose values and attitudes are different to that of societys mainstream culture’s way of thinking.
What does Barry Sugarman argue?
w/c subvulture has 4 main elements:
1) Fatalism
2) Collectivism
3) Immediate gratification
4) Present time orientation
What is fatalism?
A belief in fate- “whatever will be will be” and there is nothing you can do about it.
What is collectivism?
The belief that being part of a group is more important than individual success. Contrast to middle class who think “loyalty should not hold you back”
