Class and Achievement

Social Class

A division of society based on social and economic status.

Material Deprivation

Lacking material items/financial support necessary for educational success.

Cultural Deprivation

Lacking the correct values and attitudes needed for educational success.

Labelling

The process of attaching a meaning or definition to an individual or group, often based on stereotypes.

Self-fulfilling Prophecy

When an individual accepts a label assigned to them and acts in accordance with it.

Marketisation

The process of introducing market forces of supply and demand into areas previously run by the state, including education.

Streaming

Grouping students by ability levels often leading to different educational experiences and outcomes.

Cultural Capital

The non-financial social assets that promote social mobility beyond economic means.

Educational Triage

The practice of schools focusing on those students who are most likely to succeed to improve overall results.

Symbolic Violence

The social mechanism whereby schools devalue working-class students' culture and identities.

Parentocracy

The idea that parents have the power of choice regarding their children's education, similar to a market.

Nike Identities

Working-class students adopt certain brand identities, such as Nike, as a form of status.

Compensatory Education

Policies aimed at providing extra resources and community support to counteract the disadvantages faced by working-class students.

External Factors

Factors outside of schools that influence educational outcomes, such as family background and socioeconomic status.

Internal Factors

Factors within schools that influence educational outcomes, such as teacher expectations and classroom dynamics.