ethnic differences in achievement

Question 1

external factors in ethnic differences

Answer 1

1. cultural deprivation (language, attitudes, family structures)
2. material deprivation and class
3. racism

Question 2

cultural deprivation - language definition and criticism

Answer 2

lack of linguistic skills leaves EMG’s poorly equipped for school e.g Bereiter+Engelmann claimed language spoken by low-income back americans is inadequate
* critics such as Labov found black american speech was perfectly fine + official stats on attainment 8 scores found those whose first language isnt english perform better

Question 3

cultural deprivation - attitudes and values definition and criticism

Answer 3

some EMG children are socialised into a subculture that instils a fatalistic attitude that doesnt value education while most other children are socialised into the mainstream culture which instils aspiration and sacrifices for long-term goals
* however studies have shown EMG pupils have high aspirations, Platt and Parsons found among 7-14 year olds EMG children had higher aspirations than white and aimed for high paying jobs

Question 4

cultural deprivation - family structure and parental support and criticism

Answer 4

the failure of EMG correctly socialising their children leads to dysfunctional family structures, many black families are mother lone-parent families so deprived of adequate care (no breadwinner) and no role model for boys - argued for ignoring positives for girls
Sewell argues its not the lack of role model but the lack of fatherly nurturing=gangs - however he is criticised for downplaying racism
Sewell also argues Indian and Chinese pupils have families that have an ‘asian work ethic’-Lupton found respectable behaviour was expected from them

Question 5

overall criticism of cultural deprivation

Answer 5

Keddie sees it as a victim-blaming explanation, she says EMG are culturally different not culturally deprived and the only reason they underachieve is because of the ethnocentric curriculum and biased towards the white culture

Question 6

material deprivation and class

Answer 6

EMG more likely to face a lack of physical necessities
* almost half of EMG’s live in low-income households
* EMG’s are almost twice more likely to be unemployed
* EMG households are around 3 times as likely to be homeless
* almost 1/2 of bangladeshi and Pakistani workers earn £7 an hour
reasons why EMG are more at risk=many live in economically depressed areas, traditions such as pudrah prevent muslim women from working, lack of language skills + foreign qualifications and racism