Sociology- social class differences in education external factors (capital)

What is cultural capital?

The children of middle class or wealthier parents are likely to have the cultural assets e.g. knowledge behaviour and attitudes that ensures they are culturally competent and succeed in education.

Give some examples of cultural capital.

• speaking in plain standard English the elaborated code

• Etiquette- manners knowing how to behave

• Being taken to museums galleries historic places

• Being well read and knowledgeable

• Knowledge of politics sport art music literature

• Musical interest and talent (particularly high culture music)

How does cultural capital lead to educational success?

• understanding the curriculum better

• Sometimes school assess cultural capital rather than what has been learnt in school

• Teachers often perceive cultural capital as intelligence and this in turn leads to them having a positive label.

What is educational capital?

Having the knowledge and experience of the education system so they understand how it works.

Give examples of educational capital.

• connections with people in the education system or who can help

• Helping with homework and revision

• Attend parents evening organise meetings

• Skilled choosers

• Knowledge of useful resources

How does educational capital lead to educational success?

• exposed to the best resources and opportunities

• High expectations

What is economic capital?

Investing wealth and finances into resources to support the success of their children.

Give some examples of economic capital?

• private schools and tutors

• Moving houses into better catchment areas

• Buying resources e.g technology and textbooks

• Paying for trips and extra curricular activites

How does economic capital lead to educational success?

Gives opportunity to succeed

What are the effects of parental capital?

Social class reproduction- middle class and wealthy children have what the education system favours I.e. attitudes knowledge behaviours interests money and so are more successful within it.