Class differences in achievement (external) Flashcards
Education
who found that educated parents are more likely to use language that challenges children?
- Feinstein
- He also found that educated parents are more likely to use praise so children develop a sense of their own competence
- less educated parents use simple sentences, which result in lower performance
what are the differences between working class and middle class language?
Bernstein identifies two speech codes:
- the elaborated speech code= used by the middle class. Wider vocabulary and is based on longer, more complex sentences. Context free- speaker does not assume that listener shares same experiences.
- the restricted speech code=used by the working class. Has limited vocabulary, simple sentences. Context bound- speaker assumes that listener shares same experiences.
What did Douglas find about working class parents value on education?
- working class parents place less value on education
- less ambition for their children/ less interest in education
- so, their children had lower levels of motivation and achievement
what did Feinstein argue in reference to parents education?
- parents education is the most important factor affecting educational achievement
- middle class parents tend to be better educated and socialise their children to give them an advantage.
describe parenting style- in reference to cultural deprivation.
- educated parents emphasize discipline and hard work which encourages exploration and active learning
- however, uneducated parents emphasize harsh discipline and doing as your told which prevents the child from learning independence and self control
describe how parents use of income assist educational progress ( parents educational behaviours)
- better educated parents tend to have a higher income and spend their income in ways that promote their educational success
- for example, Bernstein and Young found that middle class mothers are more likely to buy educational toys that stimulate educational development
- working class homes often lack these resources
How does Feinstein’s argument on parental education challenge traditional views about the role of class and income in educational success?
Feinstein notes that parental education has an influence regardless of class or income- which is why working class can be successful.
why does the working class subculture lead to underachievement?
Barry Sugarman argues there are 4 key features that act as a barrier to educational achievement:
- fatalism= belief in fate/ nothing you can do to change your status
- collectivism= more loyal to the group than succeeding as an individual
- present time orientation= focus on the present and not the future
- immediate gratification= working class focus on immediate pleasure, rather than making sacrifices for the future
The myth of cultural deprivation- Nell Keddie:
- She dismisses the idea that a child can be culturally deprived
- working class children fail because they are put at a disadvantage by an education system that is dominated by middle class values.
define material deprivation
refers to poverty and lack of material necessities such as housing
what are examples of material deprivation?
- Housing= overcrowding (disturbed sleep/ harder for child to study), families in temporary accommodation may move a lot (disrupts learning), poor housing ( greater risk of accidents and sickness, so more absences)
- Diet and health= lower intakes of vitamins and minerals( weakens immune system so more absences)
- children from low income families were more likely to engage in fights (disrupts schooling)
- Financial support and the cost of children= may not have correct equipment, child may have to work
- Fear of debt= may not go to uni because of costs, more likely to apply to local unis to save on travel costs
According to Peter Robinson what is the most effective way to boost achievement (material deprivation)
Peter Robinson argues that tackling child poverty would be the most effective way to boost achievement.
give an example of a sociologists that supports Bernstein’s theory that cultural capital affects educational achievement.
Alice Sullivan conducted a survey and found that those who read complex fiction and watched tv documentaries developed a wider vocabulary and greater cultural knowledge.
However, where pupils of different classes had the same level of cultural capital, middle class pupils still did better, this could be due to the greater resources and aspirations of middle-class families.
what is the aim of compenstaory education programmes?
to tackle the problem of cultural deprivation by providng extra resources to schools and communities in deprived areas. for example Head start in the US (instilled achievement and motivation, and sure start/education action zones in Britain.
how can middle class parents convert their economic capital into educational capital?
by sending their children to private schools and paying for extra tuition
what does Feinstein argue?
parents own education is the most important factor affecting children’s achievement. middle class parents are better education and give their children an advantage with how they socialise them e.g. through parenting style, parents educational behaviours and use of income.
what does cultural deprivation theorist Barry Sugarman argue?
Working class has 4 key features that act as barrier to educational achievement:
- fatalism
- collectivism
- present time orientation
- immediate gratification
how do better educated parents use their income?
- tend to have higher income and use their income in ways that promote their child educational success
- bernstein and young found that middle class mothers are more likely to buy educational toys, books and activities that stimulate educational development.
- whereas WC mothers are more likely to lack these resources so children start school without the intellectual skills needed.
define subculture
a group who’s attitudes and values differ from mainstream culture
what can wealthier parents do with their economic capital?
- convert it into educational capital e.g. by sending their children to private schools
what did sullivan find in her research of bourdieu’s ideas (cultural capital)?
Alice Sullivan conducted a survey and found that those who read complex fiction and watched tv documentaries developed a wider vocabulary and greater cultural knowledge.
However, where pupils of different classes had the same level of cultural capital, middle class pupils still did better, this could be due to the greater resources and aspirations of middle-class families.
