Material Factors Affecting Social Class Differences in Educational Achievement

This section explores two material factors that contribute to social class differences in educational achievement.

The first factor discussed is housing. Poor housing conditions, particularly overcrowding, are more common among working-class families. This can lead to increased illness and lower attendance rates, ultimately affecting educational achievement.

Example: Working-class students living in overcrowded council housing are more likely to fall ill frequently, impacting their school attendance and performance compared to middle-class students.

The second factor is the financial cost of education. Working-class families often lack the financial resources to provide their children with necessary equipment or educational opportunities that could enhance academic achievement.

Highlight: These material factors highlight how socioeconomic conditions can directly impact a student's ability to succeed in the education system.

Cultural Factors Affecting Social Class Differences in Educational Achievement

This section examines two cultural factors influencing social class differences in educational achievement.

The first factor is Bernstein's concept of speech codes. Working-class pupils may underachieve because they struggle to understand the elaborated code used by teachers and in exams, which is more associated with middle-class language patterns.

Vocabulary: Elaborated code - A more complex and explicit form of language typically associated with middle-class communication.

The second factor is parents' attitudes towards education. Douglas argues that working-class parents may place less value on education, resulting in lower ambitions and less encouragement for their children. This can lead to reduced parental involvement in their children's education, potentially impacting academic performance.

Definition: Parental attitudes to education - The value and importance parents place on their children's educational experiences and outcomes.

Globalisation's Impact on Educational Policies

This section outlines two ways in which globalisation has influenced educational policies.

Firstly, the introduction of international rankings such as PISA tests has allowed education systems to compare performances globally. This enables governments to assess the effectiveness of their teaching, learning, and assessment strategies, and implement policies to improve performance.

Example: Michael Gove's initiative to lengthen the school day in the UK was inspired by the longer hours observed in high-performing East Asian countries.

Secondly, globalisation has led to the expansion of privatisation in the education system. International organizations like the IMF have influenced neo-liberal economic policies, turning education into a multi-billion-pound industry.

Example: Many UK universities now have international campuses as a result of globalisation and increased privatisation in education.