Social policies

• Selection polices widening social class differences in educational achievement


  The 11+ exam

  • Exam doesn't measure intelligence as it's culturally biased > suits m/c > legitimises social class inequality by incorporating it into a system

  Setting and streaming

  • m/c pupils more likely to be in higher streams due to cultural factors > able to achieve top grades

  Catchment areas

  • Successful schools may only be open to those who can afford to live in that area
• Educational policies affecting experience of ethnic groups


  Ethnocentric curriculum

  • Centered around white m/c people > those from ethnic backgrounds may feel like their culture s being shamed

  Institutional racism

  • Some teachers give less attention to ethnic students > certain pupils don't get motivated from teacher to do well
• Marketisation policies producing inequality of educational achievement between social classes


  Parental choice of school

  • M/c parents can use cultural capital knowledge of education system to make more successful choice of school

  Schools can establish their own catchment area

  • M/c parents can afford to move into catchment areas of successful schools
• Criticisms of schools selecting pupils by ability

  1. Creates hierarchical system within schools where some pupils view themselves as better > leads to marginalisation and negative impacts on motivation
  2. Limits social integration where students are able unable to collaborate > unable to gain new perspectives > hinders development of understanding