Social class

• Australia is a society characterised by equality. Half the wealth in Australia is owned by 10% of the people. Kids from high income homes are in well-resourced fee-paying independent schools.
• Schooling success is only about individual ability. Research shows wealthy boys educational success - access to better resourced schools and more assistance. Top 20 Australian schools by state for exam results were independent (62.5%, 10% catholic and 27.5% government).
• Social class is all about money. Social, symbolic and cultural capital impact class.
• Conservative approach: Educated against the perceived threats to dominant classes or to the (re)production of the cultured society. Private schools in particular protect the ruling class identities.

  • Classes are streamed and creamed towards social stratification
  • Upper/middle class groups are encouraged to preserve traditions, value, classiness/manners/high culture and to conserve power and wealth
  • In working class skills and identities are less valued.
• Liberal approach: Educated against the individuals lack of opportunity to better their connections through effort. Everyone treated the same and merit based scholarships are competed for based on talent.

  • Promote equal opportunity, school choice and the possibility for 'upward mobility' through academic effort/ increasing one's cultural capital
• Critical approach: Facilitated whole school approach towards class reform. Allow students and staff to actively respond to socio-economic inequity.

  • Actively seek to redress disadvantage and dismantle cultural snobbery.
  • Need-based payment plans and fee waivers, accessible or affordable resources provided for all - inclusion of lower classes
  • Equitable education outcomes for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Funding is based on need
• Postmodern approach: Allows students to explore multiple perspectives on social class and alternative cultures (high/low).

  • Deconstruct assumptions of what a valuable cultural product or lifestyle is.
  • Against the trap of 'class-based truths' and the myth of high/low culture as separate entities to class systems. A 'realistic' view.