Class: Outside Of School Factors, Home & Parental Interest (cultural)

Question 1

Douglas

Answer 1

• argued that while various factors influenced educational attainment, the most significant factor was the degree of parents interest in their children’s education
• middle class parents more likely to encourage attainment and progression in their children compared to working class parents and based this conclusion on the indicator of more frequency visits to the school by middle class parents to discuss their child’s progress

Question 2

Feinstein

Answer 2

• parents own education is an important factor in determining children’s achievement
• middle class parents tend to be better educated so can give their children an advantage by how they socialise them which happens in several ways: parenting style (educated parenting style emphasises consistent discipline and high expectations whilst less educated parents parenting style is characterised by harsh, inconsistent discipline that emphasises ‘doing as you’re told’), parents educational behaviours (educated parents more aware of what’s needed to assist their children’s education, better at getting advice on childrearing, more successful at establishing relationships with teachers and recognise educational values of activities), use of income (better educated parents tend to have higher incomes and tend to spend this in ways that promote their children’s educational success eg. Bernstein and young found middle class mothers more likely to buy educational toys, books and activities that stimulate intellectual development)