Social class and achievement (internal + external factors)

Question 1

Explain (with evaluation) how material deprivation can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 1

Material deprivation refers to a lack of resources, whether it be internet access, a laptop, a place to study etc…. Many W/C students suffer from material deprivation due to poverty; which was worsened by the covid pandemic as it widened the digital divide. (+FOD)

However, the governed has implement services in the form of compensatory education to support the materially deprived (e.g breakfast clubs + FSM) and the introduction of tuition free loans

Question 2

Explain (with evaluation) how cultural factors can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 2

It is evident that within society that W/C cultural values and attitudes are devalued, leading to cultural deprivation, W/C do NOT possess the “correct” attitudes to succeed in education thus leading to under achievement.
This creates what is known as W/C and M/C subcultures, which according to sugarman are divided by 4 different aspects: fatalism, collectivism (socialising>school) and gratification.

Question 3

Explain (with evaluation) how labelling can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 3

Labelling is typically orientated around a pupil’s appearance, language use and attitudes rather than academic ability; they are used based on stereotypes, in this context W/C are prone to labels due to them likely being in EAL and FSM, therefore….

However, this idea is too deterministic as it assumes that one will absorb the labels attached to them.

Question 4

Explain (with evaluation) how setting + streaming can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 4

Teachers will likely give in to stereotypes about social classes and place M/C students in top set and throw W/C in bottom sets; This is because they assume that M/C are more academically capable than W/C, this in return leads to the pupil’s in bottom sets have a shot self esteem which inevitably leads to fatalistic attitudes.

However, bottom set students get a lot of support in the form of monitoring sessions and revision periods..

Question 5

Explain (with evaluation) how middle class curriculum can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 5

White argues that the curriculum taught in schools is based on middle class knowledge which places W/C children at a disadvantage as they are unfamiliar with the content.

Not all W/C students fail in accessing this data because some have parents that are willing to teach them.

Question 6

Explain (with evaluation) how marketisation can influence pupil ability within education

Answer 6

It is evident that schools have become/are becoming more selective about their pupils, implying that they are likely to go for M/C pupils than W/C because they are perceived are more resilient and hardworking, this is aka cream skimming.
furthermore, Gillborn claims that this has lead to an educational triage (A-C economy), leaving those at the very bottom with anything under a D with no support (hopeless case)

However, not all hopeless cases are left without any support

Question 7

Explain (with evaluation) how pupil identity can influence pupil ability within education