Class Differences In Achievement (External)

Question 1

Cultural Deprivation

Answer 1

Many w/c families fail to socialise their kids ‘adequately’
They lack the cultural equipment to do well and underachieve

Question 2

Feinstein (2008) - Language

Answer 2

Educated parents more likely to use language that challenged children to evaluate their understanding
Working class more likely to use simple language; children are incapable of abstract thinking, so underperform

Question 3

Bernstein (1975): Speech Codes

Answer 3

Working class use restricted (context-bound) code
Middle class use elaborated (context-free) code
Schools use elaborated code, so m/c have an advantage

Question 4

Douglas (1964)

Answer 4

Working class parents put less value on education, gave children less encouragement

Question 5

Feinstein (2008) - Parent’s education

Answer 5

Working class parenting style often harsh and inconsistent (leads to difficulties with teachers)
Middle class more aware of how to assist educational progress and spend their income to help their child’s education

Question 6

Working Class Subculture: Sugarman (1970)

Answer 6

• Fatalism - nothing you will do will change your status
• Collectivism - value being part of a group more than succeeding as an individual
• Immediate Gratification - seeking pleasure now opposed to future rewards
• Present-Time Orientation - present more important than future, no long term goals