Class differences in achievement EXTERNAL factors sociologists

Question 1

Bernstein (1975)

Answer 1

Cultural deprivation
- 2 types of speech codes :
•Restricted code = used by the working class. Limited vocabulary and is based on the use of short , grammatically simple sentences.
•Elaborated code = used by middle class. Based on larger , more complex sentences

Question 2

Douglas

Answer 2

Cultural deprivation
Working class parents placed less value on education . They were less ambitious for their children and gave them less encouragement.

Question 3

Sugarman (1970)

Answer 3

Cultural deprivation
- Argues that working class subcultures have 4 key features that act as a barrier to educational achievement.
• fatalism = “whatever will be will be” nothing you can do to change your status
• collectivism = valuing being a part of a group more than succeeding as an individual
• immediate gratification = seeking pleasure now rather than making sacrifices for the future.
• present - time orientation = seeing the present as more important so no life long goals

Question 4

Feinstein (2008)

Answer 4

Cultural deprivation
- Parents’ own education is the most important factor affecting their child’s achievement .

Question 5

Howard (2001)

Answer 5

Material deprivation
- Young people from poorer homes have lower intakes of energy , vitamins and minerals.
- poor nutrition results in poor health , affecting the child’s education

Question 6

Tanner et al. (2003)

Answer 6

Material Deprivation
- The cost of items such as transport , uniform, books , computers etc places a heavy burden on poor families.

Question 7

Wilkinson (1996)

Answer 7

Material Deprivation
- The lower the social class , the higher the rate of conduct disorders , hyperactivity and anxiety amongst young people.
- More likely to have emotional or behavioural problems

Question 8

Bourdieu (1984)

Answer 8

Cultural capital
- Both cultural and material factors contribute to educational achievement and are not separate but interrelated .
“capital” explains why the middle class are more successful

Question 9

Gertwitz (1995)

Answer 9

Cultural capital
- marketisation benefits parents whose wealth and culture capital puts them in a better position to choose a good school.
- middle class parents use economic , social and educational culture
- “select by mortgage “