Factors Affecting Educational Achievement: Social Class (AQA A Level Sociology): Exam Questions

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

There are differences in patterns of educational achievement between groups of pupils. These differences can be based on class, gender or ethnicity, or a combination of these. Some sociologists argue that cultural factors are the main explanation for differences in educational achievement. Differences in primary socialisation may mean that some groups find it easier to engage with the culture of the school.

However, other sociologists argue that material factors, such as access to resources, are also important.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate the importance of cultural factors in explaining patterns of educational achievement.

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Teachers may label and treat some groups of pupils differently from others. Schools and staff will have views about appropriate pupil behaviour and attitudes to school.

Relationships and processes within schools may lead to anti-school subcultures.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which relationships and processes within schools may lead to anti-school subcultures.

Read Item A below and answer the question that follows.

Item A

Some sociologists suggest that pupils of different social classes have different experiences in schools. The curriculum may place a higher value on middle-class cultural capital and place some pupils at a disadvantage. Both teacher-pupil relationships and interactions within peer groups are likely to affect how pupils of different social classes see themselves.

Applying material from Item A, analyse two ways in which processes within schools may affect pupils' identities.

Read Item B below and answer the question that follows.

Item B

Social class differences in achievement are found at all stages of the education system and sociologists have put forward several explanations for these differences. Some sociologists focus on factors outside school, such as the material circumstances of pupils' families or the ways in which parents socialise their children. Other sociologists see factors internal to the education system itself as responsible.

However, it can be argued that it is the interaction between these external and internal factors that produces class differences in educational achievement.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of social class differences in educational achievement.