Material Deprivation and Ethnic Achievement Gaps
This page explores how material deprivation contributes to ethnic differences in educational achievement, focusing on the impact of poverty and lack of resources on academic performance.
Material deprivation refers to a lack of physical necessities, such as poor housing and low income. Working-class people and many ethnic minorities are more likely to experience material deprivation, which can negatively affect educational outcomes.
Definition: Material deprivation - The lack of physical resources and necessities that can impact a person's quality of life and opportunities, including education.
The text highlights that certain ethnic minority groups, particularly Bangladeshi, Black, and Pakistani pupils, have higher rates of eligibility for free school meals (FSM), indicating higher levels of economic disadvantage. This material deprivation is presented as an explanation for why some ethnic groups, like Pakistani pupils, may underperform compared to White and Indian pupils.
Example: Indian pupils, who tend to come from wealthier backgrounds, often overachieve academically, illustrating how material advantages can positively influence educational outcomes.
Palmer's research (2012) is cited, showing that ethnic minority children are almost three times more likely to come from low-income households compared to white children. This statistic underscores the significant economic disparities that contribute to educational achievement gaps.
Highlight: The connection between material deprivation and ethnic differences in educational achievement demonstrates the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in sociological analyses of education.