Sociology: Working Class and Education

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What is the main reason why schools are under pressure to select more able, largely middle-class pupils?

To reduce competition among students

To increase diversity in the student population

To provide additional support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds

To gain higher rankings in the league tables and attract more funding (correct)

What is the term for not accepting pupils with learning difficulties who are expensive to teach and get poor results?

Elite selection

Silt-shifting (correct)

Ability grouping

Cream-skimming

According to cultural deprivation theorists, what is the main cause of underachievement for minority children?

Lack of intellectual and linguistic skills (correct)

Poor teaching quality

Lack of access to resources and opportunities

Discrimination and bias

What is the consequence of unpopular schools having to accept students from disadvantaged backgrounds?

The school's results worsen, and it becomes less popular and receives less funding Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of cream-skimming and silt-shifting in schools?

Increased social class segregation Signup and view all the answers

Why do schools that are highly ranked in league tables tend to attract more able pupils?

Because they have a better reputation and more resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary way in which parents pass on their values to their children?

Through primary socialisation Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason why working class parents tend to take less interest in their child's education, according to Hyman's argument?

Because they think their children will not get high-status jobs anyway Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of compensatory education?

To provide extra resources to schools in deprived areas Signup and view all the answers

What is Neil Keddie's criticism of the cultural deprivation theory?

That working class children are culturally different, not deprived Signup and view all the answers

What is the view of Blackstone and Mortimore regarding working class parents' interest in their children's education?

They are not less interested in their children's education than middle class parents Signup and view all the answers

What is the example of a compensatory education policy mentioned in the text?

Operation Head Start in the US Signup and view all the answers

What do liberal feminists think is the key to further improving girls' achievement?

Overcoming stereotypes and improving educational opportunities Signup and view all the answers

What do radical feminists believe is still a limitation of the education system?

The patriarchal nature of the education system Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason for boys' poorer literacy and language skills, according to the DCSF (2007)?

Less time spent reading to sons Signup and view all the answers

What has been the impact of globalisation on traditional men's jobs?

A decline in the amount of traditional men's jobs Signup and view all the answers

Why do some boys believe they have little prospect of getting a proper job?

The decline of traditional men's jobs Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of some boys giving up trying to get qualifications?

A decrease in boys' motivation and self-esteem Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of the Labour Party's stance on private schools?

They are bastions of middle and upper-class privilege. Signup and view all the answers

What has been a result of the tripartite system in education?

An increase in girls' participation in higher education. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of Multicultural Education (MCE) policies?

They perpetuate cultural divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of assimilation policies in education?

To assimilate pupils into mainstream British culture. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a policy aimed at improving the achievement of minority ethnic groups?

The detailed monitoring of exam results by ethnicity. Signup and view all the answers

What is a criticism of Multicultural Education (MCE) policies by Maureen Stone?

They are misguided and do not address the root causes of underachievement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the education system in creating social solidarity?

To transmit society's culture from one generation to another Signup and view all the answers

Why does Durkheim argue that education is essential for social solidarity?

It provides individuals with the necessary specialist knowledge and skills to perform their role Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of meritocracy?

That everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the school in preparing children for life in the wider society?

It acts as a bridge between the family and wider society Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the family and wider society?

The family operates on the principle of ascribed status, while wider society operates on the principle of achieved status Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the cooperation of many different specialists in the social division of labor?

It promotes social solidarity Signup and view all the answers