Read Item B below and answer the question that follows. Item B Social class differences in achievement are found at all stages of the education system and sociologists have put forward several explanations for these differences. Some sociologists focus on factors outside school, such as the material circumstances of pupils' families or the ways in which parents socialise their children. Other sociologists see factors internal to the education system itself as responsible. However, it can be argued that it is the interaction between these external and internal factors that produces class differences in educational achievement. Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement.

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Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

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Read Item B below and answer the question that follows. Item B Social class differences in achievement are found at all stages of the education system and sociologi... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2018 - Paper 1

Step 1

Evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement.

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Answer

To evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement, it's essential to examine both external and internal factors.

External Factors

Sociologists highlight that a pupil's background plays a significant role in their educational outcomes. Factors such as material deprivation and cultural capital can be influential. Families with lower income may struggle to provide essential educational resources, leading to poorer academic performance. Furthermore, cultural attitudes towards education can differ markedly between social classes. For instance, middle-class families may prioritize academic achievement more highly, while working-class families might focus on immediate economic contributions from their children, impacting educational aspiration.

Internal Factors

Conversely, others argue that the education system itself perpetuates class differences. The hidden curriculum within schools can reinforce existing inequalities. For example, the way teachers perceive and interact with students can depend on their social class, leading to biases in teaching methods and academic encouragement. Additionally, streaming or setting can disadvantage working-class students, as they are often placed in lower ability groups, limiting their access to challenging material and further reinforcing stereotypes.

Interaction Between External and Internal Factors

However, the interactionist perspective proposes that it is not merely the presence of these factors but their interplay that shapes educational achievement. For example, a student's material deprivation (an external factor) may lead to negative teacher expectations (an internal factor). This demonstrates how external circumstances can directly influence the dynamics within the educational system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both external and internal factors are significant in explaining social class differences in educational achievement, their interaction is crucial. Evaluating these explanations reveals a complex relationship where both factors cannot be examined in isolation, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to understand educational inequalities.

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