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Read Item B below and answer the question that follows - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 4
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 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement.
Answer
To evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement, it is essential to understand the interplay between external factors (like family background) and internal factors (like school practices).
External Factors
Sociologists argue that external factors, particularly socio-economic status, play a significant role in educational achievement. For instance, families in lower socio-economic brackets may struggle to provide resources such as books, technology, or a conducive learning environment. This lack of resources can hinder educational success, as highlighted by Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital, suggesting that children from privileged backgrounds are better equipped to navigate the education system.
Internal Factors
On the other hand, internal factors such as teacher expectations and school environments also significantly influence educational outcomes. Research indicates that teachers may hold implicit biases about students from different social classes, resulting in lower expectations and consequently less support for these students.
Interaction Between Factors
However, it is critical to acknowledge that both internal and external factors often interact. For example, a student from a lower socio-economic background might face both a lack of resources at home and lower expectations in school, compounding the disadvantages they face. This dual disadvantage underscores the interaction between external social class factors and internal education system dynamics.
Critical Perspectives
Different sociological theories, such as Marxism and Feminism, provide contrasting insights into how these factors operate. Marxists argue that the education system perpetuates class inequalities, while feminists emphasize gender-specific barriers that intersect with class.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while external factors play a crucial role in shaping educational achievement, it is the complex interaction with internal institutional factors that often leads to profound social class differences. Both must be considered to fully understand educational inequalities.