Ethnicity Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is cultural deprivation?
Cultural deprivation is lacking the skills, knowledge, and experiences valued by the education system, such as language, attitudes, and support. These differences can impact academic achievement, especially for ethnic minorities.
What is Bernstein’s theory of language codes?
Bernstein argued there are two language codes: the restricted code (context-bound, simpler language) and the elaborated code (context-free, complex language). Schools operate in the elaborated code, and ethnic minorities, especially those from working-class backgrounds, may be socialised into the restricted code, putting them at a disadvantage.
What did Gordon Bowker (1968) say about language?
In The Education of Coloured Immigrants, Bowker argued that a lack of standard English is the most significant barrier to ethnic minorities in education. However, his study focused on first-generation immigrants and may not apply to later generations.
What did the government find about ethnicity and class?
Government data shows that ethnic minorities are disproportionately working class, meaning they are more likely to be socialised into the restricted code and may lack access to the elaborated code at home.
What did Charles Murray (New Right) say about Afro-Caribbean families?
Murray claimed that Afro-Caribbean families are more likely to be single-parent households led by women. He argued this leads to inadequate socialisation due to the absence of male role models and poor discipline, resulting in underachievement.
What did Ken Pryce (1979) argue about family structure and racism?
Pryce said Asian families are more cohesive and can better ignore racism, protecting children’s self-esteem and promoting achievement. In contrast, Black families are less cohesive, making them more vulnerable to racism’s effects.
What did Ballard and Driver (1988) say about Asian families?
They found that Asian families are more likely to have pro-school attitudes. Cultural values emphasise education, leading to pushy parenting and higher achievement among Indian and Chinese students.
What did Scruton (1986) argue about cultural differences?
Scruton argued that failure to embrace British culture causes underachievement among ethnic minorities. Lack of integration affects their educational success.
What did Arnot (1977) argue about media influence on Black students?
Arnot suggested that negative school role models in rap music and videos downplay the importance of education and promote peer status, leading to anti-school attitudes and underachievement.
What did Stuart Hall (1992) argue about culture of resistance?
Hall argued that Black students resist assimilation due to the symbolic violence of losing their cultural identity (language, religion, ancestry). This can lead to underachievement and disengagement from school.
How does the ethnocentric curriculum link to cultural deprivation?
The ethnocentric curriculum centres white, middle-class British culture, marginalising ethnic minority cultures and contributing to feelings of exclusion and cultural resistance.
Evaluation – What did Ballard and Driver say about language barriers at 16?
Ballard and Driver argue that by the age of 16, language barriers no longer hinder achievement. Students become fluent in the elaborated code, making language an insignificant factor by GCSE level.
Evaluation – What did the Swan Report (1985) say about language?
The Swan Report found that language has little impact on achievement. Children from bilingual/multilingual families did not differ significantly in attainment, undermining the language barrier argument.
Evaluation – What did Nell Keddie say about cultural deprivation theory?
Keddie argued that cultural deprivation blames victims. It wrongly assumes ethnic cultures are inferior, when in reality, schools fail to accommodate cultural diversity.
Evaluation – What did Driver say about ethnicity and advantage?
Driver said ethnicity can be an advantage. Stereotypes may lead to lower expectations, and when exceeded, result in higher perceived achievement.
What is material deprivation?
Material deprivation is the lack of financial resources to afford essentials like housing, food, uniform, internet, textbooks, and trips. This can negatively affect health, focus, and academic performance.
What did Flaherty find about poverty and ethnicity?
Flaherty found that Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are three times more likely to be in the poorest fifth of the population and to live in substandard housing. They are also more likely to be unemployed and live in overcrowded homes, affecting study space and health.
Evaluation – What’s the issue with material deprivation as a cause?
The link between material deprivation and underachievement is complex. It’s unclear whether poverty causes educational failure or vice versa. Institutional racism could lead to underemployment, which then causes poverty.
What did Mason (1995) say about racism in wider society?
Mason said racism is a continuing and persistent experience for Britain’s ethnic minorities. It affects housing, employment, and education.
What did Noon (1993) find in his job application study?
Noon sent identical CVs with different names – “Evans” vs “Patel” – and found that “Evans” received eight times more replies. This shows unconscious racial bias in society.
What did Rex (1986) argue about racism and exclusion?
Rex said ethnic minorities experience social exclusion due to racism, leading to poor housing, poverty, and ultimately underachievement. This exclusion can lead to anti-school subcultures.
Evaluation – What is label rejection?
Label rejection is when students resist stereotypes. Increased positive role models and multicultural awareness help challenge racist assumptions.
Evaluation – What societal changes help challenge racism?
Blind job applications reduce bias, and anti-discrimination laws ensure equality in education and employment. These contribute to narrowing the attainment gap.
