Cultural and Material Deprivation in Education
This page explores the concepts of cultural and material deprivation and their impact on educational outcomes. It delves into the advantages of middle-class students and the challenges faced by working-class students in the educational system.
Cultural Deprivation and Language Codes
The text introduces two types of language codes that play a crucial role in educational success:
Definition: Elaborated code refers to formal language used in academic settings, while restricted code is informal, everyday language with limited explanations.
Middle-class students are more familiar with the elaborated code, giving them an advantage in schools and examinations. This familiarity is an example of cultural deprivation sociology in action, where working-class students may lack exposure to this formal language.
Middle-Class Advantages in Education
The document highlights several middle-class educational advantages:
- Parents' confidence in dealing with teachers and educational choices
- Better knowledge of the education system and career options
- Ability to provide advice and counsel to their children on educational decisions
Example: Reay (2005) found that working-class students were more likely to apply to local universities to save on travel costs, limiting their access to higher-status institutions.
Material Deprivation and Its Impact
The text explores how material deprivation affects educational achievement:
Definition: Material deprivation is when a person lacks basic necessities such as clothes and money for essentials.
Four key factors of material deprivation are identified:
- Inadequate housing
- Poor diet
- Deprived catchment areas
- Debt aversion
Highlight: Howard (2006) notes that young people from poorer homes have lower intakes of vitamins and minerals, while Cooper and Steward (2013) found that poorer children have worse cognitive, social behavior, and health issues.
These factors contribute to the negative impact of material deprivation on academic success, affecting students' ability to study, their health, and their educational choices.
External Factors Affecting Education
The document also discusses external factors that influence educational outcomes:
- Housing conditions affecting study environments
- Diet impacting health and school attendance
- Catchment areas in deprived regions leading to school discipline problems
- Fear of debt discouraging university attendance
These factors demonstrate the complex interplay between cultural deprivation and educational outcomes, showing how socioeconomic conditions can significantly impact a student's academic journey.