DJs: External explanations - material deprivation

Question 1

What does material deprivation mean?

Answer 1

Due to a lack of financial resources, children in working class homes are deprived of resources and facilities (books, stationary, technology) that would enhance their intellectual development.

Question 2

Give some examples of material deprivation:

Answer 2

• a book poor home
• cant afford cultural experiences
• cant afford private schooling or tutors
• cant afford a substantial an varied diet

Question 3

How can housing impact a child’s educational achievement?

Answer 3

• overcrowding can make it harder to study and do hw, and shared bedrooms can lead to disturbed sleep
• young children’s development van be impaired through a lack of safe space to play and explore.
• poor housing (damp and cold) can lead to ill health

Question 4

How can diet and health impact a child’s educational achievement? (include which sociologists put these ideas forward)

Answer 4

• Howard (2001) WC children’s lower intake of minerals, vitamins and energy can lead to difficulty concentrating in class and a weak immune system (more absences).
• Wilkinson (1996) says among 10 yr olds, the lower the social class, the higher the rate of hyperactivity, anxiety and conduct disorders - all of which negatively impact education
• Blanden and Machin (2007) children in low income families are more likely to engage in externalising behaviour (temper tantrums and fighting), this disturbs schooling.

Question 5

How can finances impact a child’s educational achievement?

Answer 5

• Research by Tanner et al (2003) says the cost of items place a heavy burden on poor families. They have an inability to afford resources and facilities which would enhance intellectual development (books, calculators, music/art equipment, uniforms)
• Smith and Noble (1995) state poverty acts as a barrier to learning in other ways, such as an inability to afford private schooling or tuition
• Ridge (2002) says that children in poverty are more likely to take on jobs, which will negatively impact their school work.
• Callender and Jackon (2005) say working class students are more debt-averse and see more costs than benefits from going to university.

Question 6

Explain the critique of material deprivation theory: WC children being high achievers

Answer 6

• many children from poor backgrounds achieve very highly in school. this suggests that there must be other variables - material factors are not the only reason for WC children being more likely to achieve lower.

Question 7

Explain the critique of material deprivation theory: Compensatory education.

Answer 7

Governments have introduced programmes of compensatory education - these attempt to provide opportunities to children from more disadvantaged backgrounds by encouraging greater participation in higher education. E.g. Pupil Premium

Question 8

What is meant by compensatory education?

Answer 8

Programmes designed to help overcome the disadvantages many WC children have. They encourage greater participation in higher education.

Question 9

Provide two examples of compensatory educational programmes:

Answer 9

1 - Sure start: aimed at pre-school children and families in disadvantaged areas providing home visits, play centres and financial help for childcare.
2 - Pupil premium: this allocated additional funding for each poor student in a school and was designed to assist their education depending on their specific needs.