What is the primary difference between cultural deprivation and material deprivation?

Cultural deprivation focuses on inadequate socialization, language, and values within the home. Material deprivation focuses on the lack of physical and economic resources like housing, income, and nutrition.

How does the 'elaborated code' differ from the 'restricted code' in an educational context?

The restricted code is context-bound and uses limited vocabulary, while the elaborated code is abstract, varied, and used by teachers and exams. Students who do not use the elaborated code at home are at a disadvantage.

When comparing ethnic groups, why is it a mistake to ignore social class?

Many ethnic minority groups are disproportionately represented in the working class. Therefore, what looks like an 'ethnic' difference in achievement may actually be a 'class' difference caused by material poverty.

What is a common error when applying 'Cultural Deprivation' theory to ethnic minorities?

A common error is 'victim-blaming,' where the student's culture is seen as deficient rather than recognizing that the school system fails to accommodate diverse cultural backgrounds.

Why is it incorrect to assume that all ethnic minority families lack 'parental interest' in education?

Research shows that many ethnic minority parents (e.g., Black Caribbean and Asian) have very high aspirations for their children but may lack the 'social capital' or knowledge of the system to navigate it effectively.

What mistake do students make when they only focus on external factors to explain achievement?

They ignore 'internal factors' such as teacher labeling, stereotyping, and institutional racism within the school, which can significantly impact a student's progress regardless of their home life.

Define 'Fatalism' in the context of subcultural values.

Fatalism is the belief that your future is already decided by fate and that there is nothing you can do to change your status. This mindset can discourage students from working hard for exams.

What does Pierre Bourdieu mean by 'Cultural Capital'?

It refers to the knowledge, behaviors, and tastes (such as language skills and cultural knowledge) that give middle-class children an advantage because they match the school's expectations.

What is 'Immediate Gratification'?

It is the desire for rewards right now rather than waiting for them in the future. This is often contrasted with 'deferred gratification,' which is necessary for long-term academic success.

How does racism in the wider society contribute to material deprivation for ethnic minority students?

Discrimination in the labor market leads to higher unemployment or lower pay for ethnic minority parents, which results in lower household income and poorer living conditions for their children.

Ethnicity & Achievement: External Factors | AQA AS-Level Sociology

Ethnicity & Achievement: External Factors

Summary

External factors refer to influences outside the school gates, such as the family, home background, and wider society, that explain ethnic differences in educational attainment. These are generally categorized into cultural deprivation, material deprivation, and racism in the wider society.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

External Factors are variables located outside the educational institution that impact a student's ability to succeed, including social class, family structure, and cultural values.
Cultural Deprivation theory suggests that many working-class or specific ethnic minority families fail to socialize their children adequately, leaving them 'deprived' of the essential cultural tools for academic success.
Material Deprivation refers to a lack of physical necessities, such as adequate housing, income, and nutritional diet, which are seen as essential prerequisites for effective learning.
Cultural Capital is a concept developed by Pierre Bourdieu, arguing that the education system is not neutral but biased toward the knowledge and values of the dominant culture.

A diagram showing the three main pillars of external factors: Cultural, Material, and Social/Racism, all feeding into educational achievement.

2. Cultural Deprivation: Language and Values

Linguistic Skills: Sociologists like Basil Bernstein distinguish between the restricted code (limited vocabulary, context-bound) used by the working class and the elaborated code (varied vocabulary, abstract) used by the middle class and teachers.
Attitudes and Values: Some theorists argue that certain ethnic subcultures promote fatalism (a belief that fate is fixed) and immediate gratification, which conflict with the school's emphasis on long-term planning and hard work.
Family Structure: The presence of a stable, supportive family environment is often cited as a factor; for instance, high levels of parental encouragement in some Asian households are linked to higher achievement.

3. Material Deprivation: The Physical Environment

Housing and Health: Overcrowding can make it difficult for children to study, while poor-quality housing can lead to ill health and increased school absences.
Financial Constraints: Low income limits access to educational resources such as books, computers, and private tuition, often referred to as the 'hidden costs' of free schooling.
Fear of Debt: Students from low-income backgrounds may be more deterred by the prospect of university tuition fees and student loans, influencing their long-term educational aspirations.

4. Racism in Wider Society

5. Key Distinctions

6. Exam Strategy & Tips

7. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions