topic 3- ethnic differences in achievment

Which ethnic group tends to achieve the highest in education according to trends?

Chinese pupils.

Which ethnic groups tend to underachieve in education?

Black Caribbean and Gypsy Roma pupils

What are external factors that may explain ethnic differences in educational achievement?

Language skills

• Family structure

• Attitudes and values

• Material deprivation
  → These factors can disadvantage minority ethnic groups.

What are internal factors that may explain ethnic differences in achievement?

Ethnocentric curriculum

• Labelling

• Pupil subcultures

• Institutional racism
  → Factors within the school can also create inequalities.

How can linguistic skills affect educational achievement for some minority ethnic pupils?

Pupils may speak a different language or an informal version of English. (Bereiter and Engelmann) argue that Black Caribbean language is ungrammatical and disjointed, making it harder to convey abstract ideas.

How does family structure impact achievement for Black pupils?

Higher rates of lone-parent families, often headed by mothers, can limit male role models, affecting the achievement of Black boys. (Moynihan)

How do attitudes and values affect minority ethnic pupils’ achievement?

Some pupils may have a fatalistic outlook, seek immediate gratification, and show limited long-term motivation, reducing educational attainment.

How does material deprivation affect minority ethnic pupils?

Racism can lead to discrimination in work and housing → low-income or unemployed parents → fewer resources for children → lower educational opportunities.

How does labelling affect Black pupils in school?

Teachers have racialised expectations, expecting more discipline problems and seeing behaviour as threatening. Black pupils are more likely to be punished for the same behaviour as White pupils. (Gillborn and Youdell)

How did Fuller show that some Black pupils resisted labelling?

High-achieving Black girls maintained a positive self-image by rejecting teacher stereotypes, not seeking teacher approval, but valuing education.

What did Mirza find about Black girls’ strategies for dealing with teacher racism?

Their strategies (e.g., avoiding asking for help) still disadvantaged them, limiting support and educational opportunities.

How are Asian pupils affected by labelling in primary schools?

Teachers stereotyped them, used simpler language assuming poor English, and became frustrated when pupils pronounced names incorrectly. (Wright)

What are pupil subcultures in the context of ethnic differences?

Groups formed by students in response to labelling and school expectations, influencing behaviour and achievement.

How did Sewell categorise Black boys’ responses to racist labelling?

Conformists: keen to succeed, accept school goals

• Innovators: pro-education, anti-school; value success but not teacher approval

• Retreatists: disconnected from school and Black subcultures

• Rebels: reject school goals, conform to ‘black macho lad’ stereotype

What is the ethnocentric curriculum?

A curriculum that prioritises white culture and English language, e.g., Christian holidays and focus on white historical figures. (Troyna and Williams)

How does an ethnocentric curriculum affect minority ethnic pupils?

It can marginalise their culture, lower self-esteem, and contribute to underachievement.