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Class Differences

In: Social Issues

Submitted By E11REJ
Words 892
Pages 4
Topic 1 – Explaining class differences

On popular explanation of class differences in achievement is that better-off parents can afford to send their children to private schools, which many believe provide a higher standard of education. For example, average class sizes are less than half those in state schools.
External Factors
Cultural deprivation – Theorists argue that most of us acquire the basic values, attitudes and skills that are needed to educational success through the primary socialisation of the family. The basic ‘cultural equipment’ includes things such as language, self-discipline and reasoning skills. They believe many working-class families fail to socialise their children adequately. There are three main aspects of cultural deprivation: Intellectual development, Language, Attitudes & values
Intellectual development –This refers to the development of thinking and reasoning skills such as the ability to solve problems and use ideas and concepts. Cultural deprivation theorists argue that many working-class homes lack the books, educational toys and activities that would stimulate a child’s intellectual development. Douglas (1964) found that working-class pupils scored lower on tests of ability than middle-class pupils. Bernstein (1967) found out that middle-class mothers are more likely to choose toys that encourage thinking and reasoning skills and prepare children for school.
Language – Bernstein (1975) identifies differences between working-class and middle-class language that influence achievement. He distinguishes between two types of speech code: The restricted code typically used by the working class has limited vocabulary and consists of short, grammatically simple sentences. The elaborated code is typically used by the middle-class and is based on longer, grammatically more complex sentences. These differences give middle-class

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