1. class differences in achievement - external factors

• Bereiter and Englemann argued that language used in lower class families is deficient
• Bernstein identified the differences between working class and middle class language that influence achievement
• The two types of speech code are restricted code and elaborated code
• factors affecting choice of school include parental experiences, economic factors and personal beliefs
• cultural deprivation is the theory that working class and ethnic minority children are inadequately socialised and therefore lack the 'right' culture needed for educational success
• external factors are factors outside the education system such as the influence of the home and family backgrounds
• Critics argue that Bernstein is a cultural deprivation theorist as he regards the working class language as inadequate.
• Feinstein argues that parents' own education is the most important factor affecting children's achievement
• cultural deprivation theorists argue that the lack of parental interest in education reflects the subcultural values of the working class
• sugarman identified 4 barriers that affect educational achievement - fatalism , collectivism , immediate gratification and present time orientation
• middle class careers are secure where advancement can happen, encouraging ambition
• cultural factors affecting achievement include language , parental aspirations and subcultures
• Douglas argued that working class parents place less value on education
• Feinstein argues that parents own education is the most important factor affecting children's achievement
• compensatory education aimed to intervene early in the socialisation process to make up for deprivation at home
• douglas argued working class parents place less value on education giving less encouragement and having less ambition for their children
• material deprivation includes housing, diet and fear of debt
• a poor diet leads to lower intakes of energy, vitamins and minerals which lower the immune system
• poor children have to make do with hand - me - downs and cheaper unfashionable equipment
• children from low income families may take on jobs such as a paper round which has a negative impact on education
• the post 16 scheme education maintenance allowance was abolished by the coalition government in 2011
• Flaherty - fear of stigmatisation may explain why 20 % of those eligible for free school meals do not take up their entitlement
• poor housing conditions such as mold and overcrowding have a negative impact on education
• educated parents' parenting style emphasises consistent discipline and high expectations for their children
• educated parents' parenting style supports achievement by encouraging active learning and exploration
• less educated parents' parenting style is marked by harsh or inconsistent discipline - "doing as you're told"
• less educated parents' parenting style prevents the child from learning independence and self control, leading to poorer motivation and problems interacting with teachers