PARENTS' EDUCATION

Question 1

Douglas’ (1964) study

Answer 1

Working class parents placed less value on education, therefore they were less ambitious for their children, so gave them less encouragement.

Question 2

Feinstein (2008)

Answer 2

Parents’ education is the most important factor due to 4 reasons:

Question 3

1. Parenting Style (Feinstein; 2008)

Answer 3

a. Educated parents’ parenting style emphasised consistent discipline and high expectations
b. This supports educational achievement by encouraging active learning and exploration
c. This contrasts with the parenting style of less educated parents- there is harsh/ inconsistent discipline
d. This prevents the child from learning independance and self-control, leading to poorer motivation at school and problems interacting with teachers

Question 4

2. Parents’ Educational Behaviours (Feinstein; 2008)

Answer 4

a. Educated parents are more aware of what’s needed to assist their children’s educational progress such as:
- Reading to their children
- Painting and drawing
- Helping with homework
b. These parents recognise the educational value of activities such as visiting museums and art galleries

Question 5

3. Use of Income (Feinstein; 2008)

Answer 5

a. Middle class parents tend to spend their income in ways that promote their children’s educational success
b. Bernstein and Young (1967): Middle-class mothers are more likely to buy educational toys, books and activities that encourage reasoning skills and stimulate intellectual development
c. Working-class homes are more likely to lack these resources
d. Educated parents also have a better understanding of nutrition and its importance in child development

Question 6

4. Class, Income and Parental Education (Feinstein; 2008)

Answer 6

a. Even within a given social class, better educated parents tend to have more successful children at school
b. This helps to explain why not all middle-class children succeed and vice versa