Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

Class Differences and Labels: Why Some Kids Do Better in Sociology

Open

77

0

user profile picture

Saffron

11/01/2023

Sociology

A-Level Sociology: Education- internal class differences in achievement

Class Differences and Labels: Why Some Kids Do Better in Sociology

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:

  • Teachers often label students based on social class stereotypes
  • Streaming can reinforce these labels and limit opportunities for working-class students
  • The self-fulfilling prophecy plays a major role in shaping student outcomes
  • School policies focused on exam results can exacerbate class-based inequalities
...

11/01/2023

3130

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

View

Labelling in Schools

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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

View

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

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:

  1. Teacher labels a student and makes a prediction
  2. Teacher treats the student according to the label
  3. Student internalizes the expectation, making it part of their self-image

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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

View

Streaming and Its Effects

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 streams'streams' 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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

View

[No content provided for page 5]

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

View

[No content provided for page 6]

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

21 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.

 

Sociology

3,130

10 Jul 2025

6 pages

Class Differences and Labels: Why Some Kids Do Better in Sociology

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:

  • Teachers often label students based on... Show more

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Labelling in Schools

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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

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:

  1. Teacher labels a student and makes a prediction
  2. Teacher treats the student according to the label
  3. Student internalizes the expectation, making it part of their self-image

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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Streaming and Its Effects

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 streams'streams' 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.

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

[No content provided for page 5]

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

[No content provided for page 6]

Internal class differences in
achievement Studies show that teacher attach
meanings (labels) to pupils
regardless of their actual ability or

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Internal Class Differences in Achievement

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.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

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.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

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