Topic 1 - class and external factors

Question 1

What is cultural deprivation?

Answer 1

This is when the children from disadvantaged backgrounds lack the basic cultural equipment such as: language, self-discipline and reasoning skills.

Question 2

What is the difference between internal and external factors?

Answer 2

Internal factors are factors that occur within schools and the education system, such as interactions between pupils and teachers, and inequalities between schools. External factors are factors outside the education system, such as influence of home and family background.

Question 3

What are the two speech codes?

Answer 3

The restricted code and the elaborated code.

Question 4

Explain what the restricted code is?

Answer 4

The restricted code is used by the working class and it uses short, simple sentences that doesn’t help children develop their intellect.

Question 5

Explain what the elaborated code is?

Answer 5

The elaborated code is used by the middle class and it uses more longer and complex vocabulary and sentence. The parents would ask more complex questions.

Question 6

Who came up with language codes?

Answer 6

Basil Bernstein

Question 7

3 external factors that affect pupils’ achievement

Answer 7

Cultural deprivation, material deprivation and cultural capital.

Question 8

What advantages do MC children have compared to others in terms of the different speech codes?

Answer 8

The elaborated code is the language used by teachers, textbooks and exams.

Question 9

What are the criticism of Bernstein?

Answer 9

They say he is a cultural deprivation theorist because he describes working class speech as inadequate. Bernstein recognises that school also impacts children’s achievement

Question 10

What do cultural deprivation theorists argue is a key factor affecting children’s achievement?

Answer 10

Parent’s education