Evaluate the view that labelling--- ethnic differences in achievement Flashcards
P1: What is the main argument about teacher labelling and ethnic stereotypes?
Labelling theory suggests that teachers hold racial stereotypes that impact students’ self-esteem, behaviour, and academic outcomes.
How does *** explain the impact of teacher labelling?
Gillborn & Youdell found that teachers were quicker to discipline Black students than White students for similar behaviour, labelling them as ‘disruptive’ or ‘troublemakers’. This results in a self-fulfilling prophecy, where students internalise labels and disengage from learning.
What evidence supports the claim that teacher labelling affects ethnic minority students?
Wright (1992) found that teachers assumed Asian pupils had poor English skills, leading to less teacher interaction, which made them feel excluded from classroom discussions.
How does teacher labelling contribute to ethnic achievement gaps?
Negative teacher expectations reinforce ethnic achievement gaps, particularly for Black Caribbean and Pakistani students, by creating hostile learning environments.
What is a criticism of labelling theory in explaining ethnic differences?
Fuller (1984) found that some Black girls rejected negative labels and worked harder to prove teachers wrong, showing that labelling does not always lead to failure.
P2: What is the main argument about institutional racism and the ethnocentric curriculum?
Institutional racism within schools and the ethnocentric curriculum create barriers to success for ethnic minority students.
How does *** explain the impact of the ethnocentric curriculum?
Ball argues that the UK education system is ethnocentric, as the curriculum prioritises British history, literature, and White European perspectives, marginalising other cultures.
What evidence supports the claim that the ethnocentric curriculum affects ethnic minority students?
Coard (1971) found that history is often taught in a way that presents White culture as superior, reinforcing low self-esteem among Black students, who do not see their culture positively represented.
How does institutional racism contribute to ethnic achievement gaps?
Institutional racism leads to disengagement, as ethnic minority students feel their identities are not valued in school.
What is a criticism of the focus on institutional racism?
Indian and Chinese students still outperform White students, despite experiencing the same ethnocentric curriculum, suggesting that other factors, such as parental attitudes, may be more influential
P3: What is the main argument about setting, streaming, and access to opportunities?
Ethnic minority students are more likely to be placed in lower sets or streams, which limits their educational opportunities and reinforces underachievement.
How does *** explain the impact of setting and streaming?
Gillborn found that Black students are disproportionately placed in lower sets, restricting their access to higher-tier exams and academic subjects, which impacts their chances of achieving top grades.
What evidence supports the claim that setting and streaming disadvantage ethnic minority students?
: Tikly et al. (2006) found that Black and Pakistani students were less likely to be entered for higher-tier GCSEs, limiting their ability to achieve top grades and progress to higher education.
How does setting and streaming contribute to ethnic achievement gaps?
Structural inequalities within schools systematically disadvantage some ethnic groups, reinforcing wider patterns of racial inequality in education.
What is a criticism of the focus on setting and streaming?
Not all ethnic minority students are placed in lower sets—Chinese and Indian students are often placed in top sets, suggesting that cultural values and external factors also shape outcomes.
P4: What is the main argument about material deprivation and economic disadvantage?
Some sociologists argue that ethnic differences in achievement are caused by material deprivation, rather than in-school discrimination.
How does *** explain the impact of material deprivation?
Palmer found that ethnic minorities are more likely to live in poverty, have lower-paid jobs, and experience poor housing conditions, which negatively impact their ability to succeed in school.
What evidence supports the claim that material deprivation affects ethnic minority students?
Pakistani and Bangladeshi pupils are more likely to be from low-income households, limiting their access to educational resources such as private tutors, technology, and quiet study spaces.
How does material deprivation contribute to ethnic achievement gaps?
Ethnic achievement gaps are linked to economic inequalities, rather than solely in-school factors.
What is a criticism of the focus on material deprivation?
Indian and Chinese students often experience material deprivation but still perform highly, suggesting that cultural attitudes towards education play a key role in overcoming economic barriers.
