material deprivation

• why do working class pupils underachieve


  home- external factors

  in school- external factors
• home factors


  • material factors
  • parental support
  • cultural background
  • cultural capital
• in school factors


  • cultural reproduction theory
  • labelling theory
  • school organisation
  • subcultures and peer groups
• material factors


  Material factors refer to money and what money can buy, such as good-quality housing, healthy food, good living conditions, equipment clothing and so on. 

  Material deprivation refers to the lack of some basic needs such as housing, heating, adequate food and clothing caused by lack of money.  Some sociologists argue that material deprivation and poverty are the main causes of educational underachievement.
• how might material factors affect a pupils behaviour in school

  • uniform and appearance
  • poor nutrition
  • poor housing
  • part time work
  • caring responsibilities
  • lack of access to internet and textbooks
  • parents financial worries
• jan Flaherty 


  money problems are a significant factor in a younger children's non attendance at school
• Douglas (1964) the home and the school


  Douglas examined the impacts of material and cultural deprivation on children from deprived backgrounds and found that there were cumulative effects of poverty on the education of children. These included: 

  -Poor housing -Lack of access to resources -Lack of space to study -Disturbed sleep patterns -Ill health Providing childcare for young siblings 
• David bull (1980) what price is free education


  Whilst education is free, often those in deprived households may not be able to afford additional costs such as equipment, school trips, correct uniforms and travel to and from better schools. 
• Richard Wilkinson (1996)


  Found a correlation between levels of deprivation and learning difficulties such as ADHD and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. 
• Marilynn Howard (2001) says that young people that come from poor housing accommodation have lower intakes of energy and minerals and this can affect their health and can weaken their immune system. This can all lead to them missing school or having difficulty concentrating, but also they can have behavioural and emotional problems. 
• Tess Ridge (2002): Part-time jobs, caring for siblings while parents are at work can have a negative impact on education. 
• Emily Tanner (2003) Cost of additional materials has a negative impact on the poorest families; e.g. internet access, scientific calculators, revision books etc.  
• lack of resources


  
  

  Unable to purchase additional text-books or have internet access

  Fall behind on assessments, such as coursework

  Could be labelled negatively or have to do additional work to catch up
• travel costs


  Unable to afford travel to school or college 

  Miss school, go to local underperforming school 

  Lower quality of teaching and learning, gaps in attendance lead to falling behind with classes, missing notes etc
• uniform costs


  Unable to buy latest uniform, hand me downs from older siblings

  Get into trouble over uniform regulations, or be bullied for what they are wearing

  Possible truancy due to bullying, isolation or exclusion for not wearing correct uniform 
• overcrowded living space


  No space to do schoolwork, sharing bedrooms causes disturbed sleep 

  Unable to concentrate in class as tired, fall behind on homework or disturbed revision for exams 

  Negative labelling from teachers, seen as disruptive, self-exclusion, poor exam results 
• looking after siblings


  No time to do schoolwork or engage in extra-curricular activities 

  Fall behind with schoolwork, possibly be unable to attend as have to pick up younger siblings, 

  Gaps in attendance means fall behind, unable to revise effectively as caring responsibilities 
• incorrect uniform -> labelling


  Incorrect uniform might lead teachers to make judgements on the student’s attitude to schools