Topic Sociologist/ Key findings
Theory
Language Hubbs-Tait et al Parents who use language that challenges their children to evaluate - enhances cognitive performance.
(2002)
Feinstein (2008) Less educated parents use simplistic language (leading to lower performance) and are more likely to praise
their children whereas middle class parents are more likely to challenge their children’s views.
Bereiter and Language used in lower class homes is deficient. Lower class homes communicate by gestures, single words or disjointed
Engelmann (1966) phrases.
Bernstein (1975) Working class and middle-class speech code influences attainment.
Restricted code- limited vocabulary based on short, grammatically simple sentences.
Elaborated code- longer, grammatically complex sentences with use of abstract words.
This code is the most effective way of analysing and reasoning, so schools, exams and textbooks use it, putting
middle-class students at an unfair advantage.
BUT this suggest that the working class speech is inadequate. Although, Bernstein recognises that it is schools that fail
to teach children how to use the elaborated code.
Parents Douglas (1964) Working class parents place last value on education. As a result, they were less ambitious for their children, gave them
education less encouragement and took less interest in their education. They visited schools less often and were last likely to
discuss their children's progress with teachers. As a result, their children had lower levels of motivation and
achievement.
Feinstein (2008) Middle class parents tend to be better educated; they are able to give their children an advantage by how they
socialise them. This occurs in a number of ways:
- Parenting style: educated parents- have high expectations and encourage active learning and exploration.
Uneducated parents - don't = prevents children from learning independence and self-control, so they have poor
motivation in school and problems interacting with teachers.
- Parents educational behaviours: uneducated parents- less likely to assist that children’s’ educational progress and
have a lack of cultural knowledge = disadvantage.
- Use of income: less likely to spend/ have money to spend on nutritious foods and things to assist development =
start school without intellectual skills and resources is needed to progress.
- Class income and parental education- has an influence on children's achievement in their own right, as your
experience influences your child’s experience = less able to help children with work, they don't understand/
encourage children etc.
Theory
Language Hubbs-Tait et al Parents who use language that challenges their children to evaluate - enhances cognitive performance.
(2002)
Feinstein (2008) Less educated parents use simplistic language (leading to lower performance) and are more likely to praise
their children whereas middle class parents are more likely to challenge their children’s views.
Bereiter and Language used in lower class homes is deficient. Lower class homes communicate by gestures, single words or disjointed
Engelmann (1966) phrases.
Bernstein (1975) Working class and middle-class speech code influences attainment.
Restricted code- limited vocabulary based on short, grammatically simple sentences.
Elaborated code- longer, grammatically complex sentences with use of abstract words.
This code is the most effective way of analysing and reasoning, so schools, exams and textbooks use it, putting
middle-class students at an unfair advantage.
BUT this suggest that the working class speech is inadequate. Although, Bernstein recognises that it is schools that fail
to teach children how to use the elaborated code.
Parents Douglas (1964) Working class parents place last value on education. As a result, they were less ambitious for their children, gave them
education less encouragement and took less interest in their education. They visited schools less often and were last likely to
discuss their children's progress with teachers. As a result, their children had lower levels of motivation and
achievement.
Feinstein (2008) Middle class parents tend to be better educated; they are able to give their children an advantage by how they
socialise them. This occurs in a number of ways:
- Parenting style: educated parents- have high expectations and encourage active learning and exploration.
Uneducated parents - don't = prevents children from learning independence and self-control, so they have poor
motivation in school and problems interacting with teachers.
- Parents educational behaviours: uneducated parents- less likely to assist that children’s’ educational progress and
have a lack of cultural knowledge = disadvantage.
- Use of income: less likely to spend/ have money to spend on nutritious foods and things to assist development =
start school without intellectual skills and resources is needed to progress.
- Class income and parental education- has an influence on children's achievement in their own right, as your
experience influences your child’s experience = less able to help children with work, they don't understand/
encourage children etc.
