Ethnic Differences In Achievement

Question 1

Intellectual and Linguistic Skills

Answer 1

CD theorists see a lack of intellectual and linguistic skills as a major cause of underachievement for certain ethnic groups. Many low income black families lack intellectual stimulation and enriching experiences, leaving them poorly equipped for school.

Question 2

Bereiter and Englemann

Answer 2

believe the language spoken by low income, black American families is inadequate for educational success.

Question 3

Gillborn and Mirza (2000)

Answer 3

reject this as they found Indian pupils do very well despite often not having English as their first language.

Question 4

Attitudes and Values

Answer 4

Attitudes and Values
CD theorists blame a lack of motivation as a major cause of the failure of many black children. Most pupils are socialised into mainstream culture, instilling ambition, competitiveness and a willingness to make sacrifices to achieve long term goals – this equips them for success in education.

Question 5

Family Structure and Parental Suppor

Answer 5

CD theorists argue this failure to adequately socialise children is a result of dysfunctional family structures

Question 6

Moynihan (1965)

Answer 6

many black families are headed by a lone mother, where she struggles financially in the absence of a male breadwinner. This also means boys do not have a male role model to look up to.

Question 7

Pryce (1979)

Answer 7

Black Caribbean culture is less cohesive and less resistant to racism, leading to low self-esteem and underachievement

Question 8

Sewell

Answer 8

believes it is not the absence of fathers, but a lack of fatherly nurturing or “tough love”
(firm, fair, non-abusive discipline)

Question 9

Gillborn (2008)

Answer 9

argues it is not peer pressure but institutional racism within the system which leads to the failure of black boys.