External Class Differences in achievement

• What does social class refer to?

  Divisions in society based on economic and social status
• What are the three main social classes in the UK?

  Working, middle, and upper class
• How is social class often indicated in schools?

  By eligibility for Free School Meals, reflecting low household income
• What types of workers are included in the middle class?

  Professional, non-manual workers such as doctors, teachers, and managers
• What types of work are associated with the working class?

  Manual work, including skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labor
• What are the external sociological explanations for the underachievement of working class pupils?

  • Cultural deprivation (language use, norms and values, family influence)
  • Material deprivation (poverty)
• What are the internal sociological explanations for the underachievement of working class pupils?

  • Interactions between teachers and pupils and teacher labelling
  • Inequalities between schools
  • Government policies
• What do cultural deprivation theorists argue about working class children?

  They underachieve due to a lack of necessary cultural equipment for school success
• What are the three main elements of cultural deprivation?

  Language, parents' education, and working class subcultures
• How does language affect cognitive development in children?

  The way parents communicate influences children's cognitive performance
• What did Hubbs Tait and Feinstein find regarding educated parents?

  They were more likely to use language that challenged their children
• What is the difference in language use between educated and less educated parents?

  Educated parents use complex language, while less educated parents use simple descriptive sentences
• What do cultural deprivation theorists argue about working class children's ability to think abstractly?

  They argue that working class children are less able to show abstract thinking
• What are the two types of speech code identified by Bernstein?

  Elaborated code and restricted code
• How does the restricted code differ from the elaborated code?

  Restricted code has a limited vocabulary and is used by working class
• What are the advantages of having educated parents for children?

  • Ability to help with homework
  • Confidence in asking for clarification from teachers
  • Understanding of exam systems and university applications
  • Awareness of academic monitoring and reporting systems
• What did Douglas find about working class parents' attitudes towards education?

  They place less value on education and are less ambitious for their children
• How do educated parents engage with their children's education compared to less educated parents?

  Educated parents emphasize discipline and high expectations, while less educated parents struggle to interact with teachers
• What did Bernstein and Young find about middle class parents?

  They are more likely to use their income to promote success, such as buying educational toys and books
• What are the four key features of the working class subculture according to Sugarman?

  • Fatalism
  • Collectivism
  • Immediate gratification
  • Present time orientation
• What is a criticism of cultural deprivation theory according to Reay?

  It is victim-blaming to assume parents are solely to blame for underachievement
• What does Keddie argue about working class culture?

  Schools should challenge teachers' anti-working class prejudices instead of viewing working class culture as deficient
• What is material deprivation?

  • Inability to afford basic resources
  • Impacts educational achievement
• How do material deprivation theorists differ from cultural deprivation theorists?

  Material deprivation theorists see poverty as the main cause of underachievement, while cultural deprivation theorists blame working class subcultures
• What percentage of pupils eligible for Free School Meals achieve 5+ GCSEs?

  Barely a third
• What did Flaherty find regarding money problems and school attendance?

  Money problems are a significant factor in young children's non-attendance at school
• What is the relationship between poverty and exclusion or truancy?

  Exclusion and truancy are higher for children from poorer families
• What percentage of failing schools are located in deprived areas?

  Nearly 90%
• What are some factors that affect educational achievement due to material deprivation?

  • Poor living conditions
  • Poor diet
  • Poor health
  • Prejudice and discrimination
  • Fewer opportunities
  • Fear of debt
• How do poor living conditions affect children's health?

  Children in overcrowded conditions are more likely to get physically and mentally ill
• What did Marilyn Howard find about children from poorer homes?

  They take in fewer vitamins, affecting concentration and attendance
• How does poor nutrition affect children's behavior?

  Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and affect mood and behavior
• What are some hidden costs associated with education?

  Costs include school uniform, dinners, transport, books, and equipment
• What did Flaherty find about Free School Meals and stigma?

  20% of FSM children do not take them up due to fear of stigmatisation
• How does taking on paid work affect poorer students?

  It has a negative effect on their school work
• What did Callender and Jackson find about working class students and university applications?

  Working class students are 5 times less likely to apply for university due to fear of debt
• What was the tuition fee increase in 2012?

  Tuition fees rose to £9000 a year
• What did the NUS find about financial help for students?

  81% of the highest class students received financial help compared to only 43% of working class students
• Why do working class students often attend local universities?

  To live at home and save on costs
• How does working class students' paid work compare to middle class students' paid work?

  Working class students spend twice as much time in paid work to reduce their debts