Sociology 2144A/B Final: Sociology of Education Final Exam Notes
22 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Socioeconomic background is the most consistent predictor of success for youth of any ethnic background. Structural functionalists: schools can serve as great equalizers, rewarding the best regardless of their social origins. They are a prime avenue for upward social mobility: blame unequal home environments for inequality, we need a meritorious labour force that is colour blind and rewards all equally. Occurs through both hidden and overt processes: blame schools as the root of inequality, no social mobility. More nuanced approach limited compensation model : schools reduce inequality but fail to eliminate it. Robust across different measures of education and ses. Persisted even though schools have changed in the past century. Ses gradients persist from sk to age 15 and do not diminish over time: coleman report. School reassures/differences schools having unequal resources only slightly affects student success. Summer break invented from farming peak season: causes achievement gaps) more so with low ses, knowledge economy doesn"t need the break.
