Class differences in education- Cultural deprivation

Question 1

Language differences

Answer 1

Basil Bernstein identified that there were two different speech codes used by the working and middle class. The working class use a restricted speech code which has limited vocabulary and is based on the use of short, grammatically simple sentences. The middle class use an elaborated code which has a much wider vocabulary and allows them to spell out their meanings explicitly for the listener. Elaborated code is the code used in the education system by teachers, in textbooks and in exam papers, so excludes the working class.

Question 2

Parental involvement

Answer 2

Douglas found that w/c parents placed less value on education, were less ambitious for their children, visited schools less often and were less likely to discuss their child’s progress with teachers.

Question 3

Parents use of income

Answer 3

Bernstein and Young said middle class mothers were more likely to buy educational toys, books and activities that encourage reasoning skills and intellectual development.

Question 4

Counterargument to Douglas

Answer 4

Blackstone and Mortimore said working class parents are interested in their children’s education, but struggle to attend parents evenings and meetings with teachers due to longer or less regular work hours, and being put off by the middle class atmosphere in schools.

Question 5

Working class subcultures

Answer 5

Barry Sugarman argued that the w/c had a present time orientation (live in the moment, don’t worry about the future) and an inability to delay gratification (enjoy yourself now, don’t do HW). He also said the fatalism of the w/c means they generally don’t believe they have the power to improve their prospects through hard work, they think their future has already been determined.