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Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may produce inequality of educational achievement between social classes. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 1
Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may produce inequality of educational achievement between social classes.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Outline two reasons why marketisation policies may produce inequality of educational achievement between social classes. - AQA - A-Level Sociology - Question 1 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Reason 1: Cream-Skimming
Answer
Marketisation policies allow schools to select high-achieving students, often referred to as 'cream-skimming.' This practice enables successful schools to attract students from middle-class backgrounds, who often perform better academically. As a result, lower-achieving students from disadvantaged backgrounds are left in underperforming schools, further widening the educational achievement gap.
Step 2
Reason 2: Parental Choice of School
Answer
Marketisation policies encourage parental choice regarding schools. Middle-class parents typically possess more resources and cultural capital, allowing them to choose schools that best suit their children’s needs. In contrast, working-class parents may lack the knowledge and resources to make the best choices, leading their children to attend lower-performing schools. This disparity reinforces the cycle of academic inequality.