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77
0
A-Level Sociology: Education- internal class differences in achievement
3,130
•
2 Jul 2025
•
Class differences in educational achievement sociologyare significantly influenced by... Show more
This page explores how teacher labelling impacts class differences in achievement - external factors.
Studies show that teachers often attach labels to students based on stereotypical assumptions, with middle-class students receiving more positive labels than working-class students. This labelling process occurs in both primary and secondary schools.
Example: Becker's 1971 study of Chicago high school teachers found they judged students based on work, conduct, and appearance, viewing middle-class pupils as closer to the "ideal pupil."
Dunne & Gazeley's 2008 research revealed how teachers normalized working-class underachievement while believing they could overcome middle-class underachievement. This differential treatment contributes to class differences in educational outcomes.
Highlight: Hempel-Jorgensen's 2009 study found that the concept of an "ideal pupil" varies based on the overall class composition of the school, with working-class schools emphasizing behavior over ability.
Example: Rist's 1970 study of primary schools demonstrated how teachers used information about students' home backgrounds and appearances to sort them into groups, with middle-class students receiving more attention and resources.
This page delves into the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy in Sociology education, a key mechanism through which teacher expectations shape student outcomes.
The self-fulfilling prophecy follows a three-step process:
Definition: A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an initially false belief leads to its own fulfillment.
Example: Rosenthal & Jacobson's 1968 study demonstrated how teacher expectations could improve student performance. Teachers were told certain randomly selected students would excel, and these students indeed showed greater academic improvement over time due to increased teacher support and encouragement.
Highlight: The self-fulfilling prophecy helps explain how initial teacher labels based on social class can lead to long-term differences in educational achievement.
This page examines how streaming, the practice of sorting students into ability groups, interacts with labelling and the self-fulfilling prophecy to reinforce class differences in educational achievement sociology.
Streaming makes the self-fulfilling prophecy more likely to occur, as it institutionalizes teacher expectations about student ability. Working-class students, often not seen as "ideal pupils," are more likely to be placed in lower streams, limiting their opportunities for academic success.
Vocabulary: Streaming - The practice of sorting children into groups based on their perceived ability, so they can be taught separately.
Gillborn & Youdell's 2001 study of two high schools revealed how teacher stereotypes about ability influenced streaming decisions, with working-class and black students more likely to be placed in lower streams and entered for foundation papers, denying them access to higher-level knowledge and opportunities.
Highlight: The researchers linked streaming practices to the pressure schools face to perform well in exam league tables, introducing the concept of the "A-to-C economy."
Definition: Educational triage - The process of sorting pupils into those who will pass anyway, borderline cases who receive the most resources, and "hopeless cases" who are expected to fail regardless of intervention.
This triage process, driven by school performance metrics, often results in working-class and minority students being labelled as "hopeless cases" and placed in lower streams, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement.
Evaluation: While Gillborn & Youdell's work provides valuable insights into how streaming and labelling perpetuate class-based achievement gaps, it's important to note that students are not passive recipients of these labels and may resist or overcome negative expectations in some cases.
This page introduces the topic of internal factors affecting class differences in educational achievement sociology. It sets the stage for examining how processes within schools, particularly teacher labelling and streaming, contribute to disparities in academic performance between working-class and middle-class students.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Class differences in educational achievement sociology are significantly influenced by internal factors like teacher labelling and streaming. These processes can create self-fulfilling prophecies that perpetuate achievement gaps between working-class and middle-class students.
Key points:
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page explores how teacher labelling impacts class differences in achievement - external factors.
Studies show that teachers often attach labels to students based on stereotypical assumptions, with middle-class students receiving more positive labels than working-class students. This labelling process occurs in both primary and secondary schools.
Example: Becker's 1971 study of Chicago high school teachers found they judged students based on work, conduct, and appearance, viewing middle-class pupils as closer to the "ideal pupil."
Dunne & Gazeley's 2008 research revealed how teachers normalized working-class underachievement while believing they could overcome middle-class underachievement. This differential treatment contributes to class differences in educational outcomes.
Highlight: Hempel-Jorgensen's 2009 study found that the concept of an "ideal pupil" varies based on the overall class composition of the school, with working-class schools emphasizing behavior over ability.
Example: Rist's 1970 study of primary schools demonstrated how teachers used information about students' home backgrounds and appearances to sort them into groups, with middle-class students receiving more attention and resources.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page delves into the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy in Sociology education, a key mechanism through which teacher expectations shape student outcomes.
The self-fulfilling prophecy follows a three-step process:
Definition: A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when an initially false belief leads to its own fulfillment.
Example: Rosenthal & Jacobson's 1968 study demonstrated how teacher expectations could improve student performance. Teachers were told certain randomly selected students would excel, and these students indeed showed greater academic improvement over time due to increased teacher support and encouragement.
Highlight: The self-fulfilling prophecy helps explain how initial teacher labels based on social class can lead to long-term differences in educational achievement.
This page examines how streaming, the practice of sorting students into ability groups, interacts with labelling and the self-fulfilling prophecy to reinforce class differences in educational achievement sociology.
Streaming makes the self-fulfilling prophecy more likely to occur, as it institutionalizes teacher expectations about student ability. Working-class students, often not seen as "ideal pupils," are more likely to be placed in lower streams, limiting their opportunities for academic success.
Vocabulary: Streaming - The practice of sorting children into groups based on their perceived ability, so they can be taught separately.
Gillborn & Youdell's 2001 study of two high schools revealed how teacher stereotypes about ability influenced streaming decisions, with working-class and black students more likely to be placed in lower streams and entered for foundation papers, denying them access to higher-level knowledge and opportunities.
Highlight: The researchers linked streaming practices to the pressure schools face to perform well in exam league tables, introducing the concept of the "A-to-C economy."
Definition: Educational triage - The process of sorting pupils into those who will pass anyway, borderline cases who receive the most resources, and "hopeless cases" who are expected to fail regardless of intervention.
This triage process, driven by school performance metrics, often results in working-class and minority students being labelled as "hopeless cases" and placed in lower streams, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy of underachievement.
Evaluation: While Gillborn & Youdell's work provides valuable insights into how streaming and labelling perpetuate class-based achievement gaps, it's important to note that students are not passive recipients of these labels and may resist or overcome negative expectations in some cases.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This page introduces the topic of internal factors affecting class differences in educational achievement sociology. It sets the stage for examining how processes within schools, particularly teacher labelling and streaming, contribute to disparities in academic performance between working-class and middle-class students.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
