Class Differences In Achievement - Internal Factors
- Created by: lauren.glendenning
- Created on: 19-03-17 15:48
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Class Patterns of Achievement:
Culture Deprivation Theory:
- Culture = all the norms, beliefs, values, skills and knowledge that a society or group regards as important. This culture is transmitted to the next generation through socialisation.
- Different classes socialise their children differently and this may be the cause of differences in achievement.
- According to cultural deprivation theory, some working class parents fail to transmit the appropriate norms, values, attitudes, knowledge, skills etc. that is the 'right' culture needed for educational success.
- Cultural deprivation theorists see three factors as responsible for working class underachievement: language, parents education and working class subculture.
Intellectual Stimulation:
- Working class parents are less likely to give their children educational toys and activities that will stimulate thinking and reasoning skills, they are also less likely to read to them. This effects their intellectual development so when they start school they are already at a disadvantage compared to middle class children.
Language:
Basil Bernstein distinguishes between elaborated and restricted speech codes:
- The working class use restricted speech code - This is less analytic and more descriptive, has a limited vocabulary and simple sentences are formed or perhaps just gestures. It assumes that the listener shares the particular meanings that the speaker holds, so the speaker doesn't spell them out.
- The middle class use the elaborated speech code - This is more analytical, with a wide vocabulary and complex sentences. It is universalistic - speakers spell out their meanings explicitly and don't just assume that the listener shares them.
The elaborated code is the one used in schols by teachers, exam boards, textbooks, university interviewers etc. which gives the middle class an educational advantage.
Parent's Education:
Feinstein argues that parents' own education is the most important factor affecting children's achievement. Since middle class parents tend to be better educated, the children gain an advantage.
- Parenting Style - Educated parents emphasise consistent discipline, high expectations, active learning and exploration. Less educated parents' inconsistent discipline means that wokring class children have poor motivation and trouble interacting with teachers.
- Parents' Educational Behaviours - Educated parents' are more…
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