Question 1

What is the difference between material deprivation and cultural deprivation in education?

Accepted Answer

Material deprivation refers to a lack of physical resources like money, housing, or books, which can hinder learning (e.g., no quiet space to study). Cultural deprivation involves a lack of values, attitudes, and knowledge that schools reward, such as language skills or parental support. Both are used to explain working-class underachievement, but critics argue they 'blame the victim' and ignore structural inequalities.

Question 2

How does labelling affect students' achievement?

Accepted Answer

Labelling occurs when teachers attach meanings to students based on stereotypes (e.g., 'troublemaker' or 'bright'). This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy: the student internalises the label and behaves accordingly. For example, Becker found that teachers labelled middle-class students as 'ideal pupils', while working-class students were seen as less motivated, leading to differential treatment and outcomes.

Question 3

What is the correspondence principle in Marxist sociology?

Accepted Answer

The correspondence principle, developed by Bowles and Gintis, argues that the structure of school mirrors the workplace. Schools teach obedience, punctuality, and acceptance of hierarchy (the hidden curriculum), preparing students for capitalist jobs. For example, grades correspond to wages, and competition for grades mirrors workplace competition. This reproduces class inequality by training workers to accept their position.

Question 4

Why do girls now outperform boys in education?

Accepted Answer

Sociologists point to several factors: the impact of feminism raising girls' aspirations, changes in the curriculum (e.g., coursework favouring organisation), and teacher expectations that girls are more hardworking. However, boys' underachievement is linked to laddish subcultures that reject academic work, and a lack of male role models in primary schools. But class and ethnicity also intersect: middle-class boys still outperform working-class girls.

Question 5

What is the role of education according to functionalists?

Accepted Answer

Functionalists like Durkheim and Parsons argue that education serves two main functions: social solidarity (teaching shared values and norms) and role allocation (sorting individuals into jobs based on merit). Durkheim said schools create a sense of belonging, while Parsons saw education as a bridge between family and wider society. They believe education is meritocratic, rewarding talent and effort, though critics argue it actually reproduces inequality.

Question 6

How did the 1988 Education Reform Act change the UK education system?

Accepted Answer

The 1988 Act introduced the National Curriculum, standardised testing (SATs) at ages 7, 11, and 14, and league tables to compare schools. It also created marketisation policies like open enrolment and formula funding, forcing schools to compete for students. The aim was to raise standards, but critics argue it increased inequality because middle-class parents could 'choice' better schools, leaving disadvantaged schools struggling.

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