Cultural Deprivation - Basil Bernstein (1975)

Question 1

What specific area of cultural deprivation did BB examine?

Answer 1

Speech and language
- restricted speech code
- elaborated speech code

Question 2

Characteristics of restricted speech code (4)

Answer 2

• short-hand, informal speech
• simple sentences
• lack of detail
• context-bound, assuming knowledge

Question 3

Characteristics of elaborated speech code (4)

Answer 3

• formal, detailed speech
• longer sentences
• abstract knowledge and good vocab
• doesn’t assume prior knowledge

Question 4

How does the restricted code impact educational achievement?

Answer 4

• working-class find it harder to express themselves in written work
• struggle to use vocabulary that will gain top marks
• not an issue with middle-class students a they tend to use elaborated code with teachers

Question 5

Eval of Bernstein’s theory — against his argument (2)

Answer 5

• unlikely that most pupils only use one code at all times, they often switch between the two and his explanation is overlooking that
• BB considers working-class lang to be inferior as he describes it as inadequate — this is a value-judgement

Question 6

Eval that supports Bernsteins views (2 bullet points)

Answer 6

• gov has put an emphasis on spelling, punctuation, and grammar in determining the grades pupils achieve
• schools encouraged to promote literacy, which mid-class pupils respond better to