Sociology of Education: Language Codes and Social Class

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering Basil Bernstein's language codes and the evaluations by Sugarman and Bourdieu.

Basil Bernstein

A cultural deprivation theorist who argued that different social classes use different language codes, which can affect educational achievement.

Restricted code

A language code used more in working-class speech, characterized by shorter, less explicit language and grammatical errors.

Elaborated code

A language code more commonly used by the middle class, characterized by detailed, explicit, analytical language and a wider vocabulary.

Sugarman

A sociologist who supported Bernstein's perspective by identifying differences in working-class and middle-class values, such as attitudes towards education and the future.

Bourdieu

A sociologist who criticized Bernstein for overemphasizing language, arguing instead that middle-class educational advantage stems from wider cultural capital.

Cultural capital

Non-financial assets valued by schools, such as knowledge, skills, and education.