Assess the View That Working-Class Children Underachieve Because They Culturally Deprived (20 Marks)

727 Words3 Pages
On average, working-class (w/c) children perform worse in their exams, with only 33% achieving the same amount of GCSE’s. Ofsted defines working-class as those who are on free school meals. Working-class children underachieve because of three main factors; Attitudes and values, intellectual development and language. All of these factors talk about the way a child is socialised at home. Douglas argued that w/c parent’ attitudes prevent children form being successful in education. Middle class children parents are more interested in their children’s education, and were more encouraging and more willing to help them. Sugarman supported Douglas’ theory that the w/c and m/c had different attitudes, which can affect their education. There were four key features of his theory; Fatalism (The w/c believe that everything happens for a reason, even failing an exam. With this frame of mind, they lack the motivation to do better and succeed.), Collectivism (The w/c value being part of a group. This may hold them back as they will take the group’s decision on something, which may be to not attend school, not revise etc.), Immediate gratification vs. deferred gratification (The w/c believe in IG where they want the reward straight away. This can affect their education as they will not want to stay on in further education, as they can get a job and make money straight away.), and Present-time orientation (The w/c believe that you should savour every day, as tomorrow may never come. With this frame of mind, they may think education is a waste of time, as it may not benefit you if tomorrow never comes.) These two sociologists’ theories and practices prove that there are major differences in achievement between classes. However, these theories stereotype, and blame the family too much. Douglas also believed that intellectual development (Thinking skills) can affect a
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