Q1 KEY ASSESMENT 10 MARKER yourself 📚 Social Class & Achievement

What does cultural deprivation mean?

Cultural deprivation is the idea that working-class children lack the cultural skills, knowledge, language and values that schools reward, leading to underachievement.

Who developed the idea of speech codes?

Basil Bernstein

What is elaborated code?

type of speech used mainly by middle-class children, involving a wide vocabulary and complex sentences, which is used by teachers and exams.

What is restricted code?

A simpler, context-dependent form of speech often used by working-class children, which is less valued in schools.

Why do speech codes lead to working-class underachievement?

Schools operate using elaborated code, so working-class pupils may struggle to understand teachers and exams, leading to lower achievement.

Which sociologist studied parental attitudes and achievement?

Douglas

What did Douglas find about parents?

Douglas found that parental interest and support is crucial for success, and middle-class parents are more likely to support their children’s education.

Why may working-class parents give less support?

They may:

• Work long hours

• Have less confidence dealing with schools

• Have less knowledge of the education system

This leads to lower achievement.

Who developed the concept of cultural capital?

Pierre Bourdieu

What is cultural capital?

Cultural capital refers to knowledge, skills, language, tastes and behaviours that are valued by the education system.

How does cultural capital advantage middle-class pupils?

Middle-class pupils:

• Understand school culture

• Feel confident with teachers

• Are rewarded for their behaviour

This leads to higher achievement.

What is material deprivation?

Material deprivation refers to a lack of money and resources, which negatively affects a child’s education.

Who studied poverty and early development?

Feinstein

What did Feinstein find?

Feinstein found that children from poorer families fall behind in cognitive development at an early age, and the gap widens as they get older.

Give examples of material deprivation affecting education.

• Poor diet → low concentration

• Overcrowded housing → no study space

• Lack of money for resources → missed opportunities

Why are FSM pupils often mentioned in exams?

FSM pupils usually come from low-income families, making them more likely to experience material deprivation and underachievement.

Which factors are “outside school”?

• Cultural deprivation

• Material deprivation

• Parental attitudes

• Poverty and early development

How do you link this topic to Item A?

By showing how working-class pupils lag behind early, often receive FSM, and achieve lower exam results due to cultural and material deprivation.