CLASS DIFFERENCES IN ACHIVEMENT- EXTERNAL FACTORS Flashcards
(38 cards)
what does middle class mean?
non manual occupations/professionals such as doctors and teachers.
what does working class mean?
Manual occupations including skilled workers such as plumbers and lorry drivers
What is cultural deprivation?
The theory that working class children lack “cultural equipment” in order to succeed, such as language, self discipline and reasoning skills.
what do cultural deprivation theorists argue about Working class families
they argue that WC families fail to socialise their children adequately.
what are the three main aspects of cultural deprivation
there are three main aspects language, patients education and subculture.
what do Bereiter and Engelman suggest about language in lower class homes
language used in lower class home deficient (gestures, single words, disjointed phrases). As a result, children grow up unable to explain or compare.
what does Bernstein suggest about language
There are two types of speech code:
Restricted code: working class, limited vocab, short, unfinished, description, simple sentences ; context bound Elaborated code: middle class wider vocabular complex sentences
who cultural deprivation theorists believe lack stimulation and enriching experiences.
CD theorists argue that many children from low-income black families lack intellectual stimulation and enriching experiences. This leaved them poorly equipped for school because they have not been able to develop reasoning and problem solving skills.
how does speech codes affect education?
The elaborated code is used by teachers/books and taken as a “correct” way to speak
Expressing thoughts clearly is essential in education
Middle class pupil are already fluent for school
Working class pupil likely to fell excluded
evaluation for language ?
- limitation:
Bernstein: assumes all middle classes speak in elaborated code which isn’t true.
Fails to recognise the diversity of speech.
provided little evidence to back up his case.
Labov: WC speech codes aren’t inferior they are just complex but differ from MC speech
- strength: however Bernstein recognises how both home and school fails WC pupils
- wc pupils don’t achieve due to how teachers perceive them rather than speech codes
what did Douglas find about parents education?
Douglas found that WC parents placed less value on education. They were less ambitious, gave less encouragement and less likely to go to parents evening.
educated parents were more invested in their child’s education because they are more aware of their children’s progress, get expert advice, better relationship with teachers. Recognise educational visits.
Middle Class have consistent discipline, high expectations then encourage learning. working class discipline is harsh and inconsistent “do as you’re told” , leading to poorer motivation.
How does speech code link to educational success
If a child uses restricted code they are more likely to fail to develop the necessary language skills
What does subculture mean
A group whose attitudes and values differ those mainstream culture
what features does sugarman believe act as a barrier to educational achievement
fatalism
collectivism
immediate gratification.
what is fatalism?
belief in fate- nothing you can do to change your status
what is collectivism?
valuing being part of a group rather than on your own.
what is immediate gratification?
seeking pleasure now rather than waiting for a reward
how does Sugarman’s theory link to success?
Working class children internalise these values. Parents pass on their values to their children through primary socialisation. Working class jobs are less secure and less promotions
what is material deprivation?
poverty and lack of material resources
how is poverty closely linked to underachievement ?
- 1/3 of FSM pupils achieve 5 A-C at GCSE.
- those in poverty are more likely to have poor attendance.
- More likely to be excluded
- 90% of failing schools in deprivation.
what are examples of material deprivation
housing and uni
housing in terms of material deprivation?
- overcrowding makes it harder to study
- disturbed sleep from sharing a bedroom
- cold/damp environments cause ill health.
uni in terms of material deprivation?
- less likely to have financial support from family
- fear of debt
- more costs than benefit
- attitude towards debt puts off students going to uni.
- increases in tuition fees saw a drop in WC application to universities
evaluation points of material deprivation?
- limitations: the fact that some children from WC families DO achieve suggests material deprivations is only part of the problem,
- limitations: other factors may influential e.g. religious views
- strength: some argue that material inequalities have the biggest impact.
