This subtopic critically examines the complex interplay between social class and educational achievement, focusing on how factors such as material deprivation, cultural capital, and school processes perpetuate inequality. It contextualises these patterns within broader sociological theories, including functionalist and Marxist perspectives, and evaluates the effectiveness of contemporary educational policies in promoting social mobility. Students will apply empirical evidence to assess the relative impact of in-school and out-of-school factors on differential attainment.
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