Education and Social Inequality: A Comprehensive Guide for Sixth Form Students

Question 1

Research consistently shows that students from higher social classes achieve higher educational qualifications than those from lower social classes. This is known as:

Accepted Answer

The attainment gap

Answer

The social class gap

Answer

The aspiration gap

Answer

The achievement gap

Question 2

The belief that education can improve the life chances of individuals and promote social mobility is known as:

Accepted Answer

Educational optimism

Answer

Educational pessimism

Answer

Educational determinism

Answer

Educational relativism

Question 3

Research indicates that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to experience:

Accepted Answer

Lower educational attainment

Answer

Higher academic achievement

Answer

Greater access to educational resources

Answer

Stronger parental support

Question 4

Which of the following outcomes is a potential consequence of educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

Reduced social mobility

Answer

Enhanced economic growth

Answer

Increased social cohesion

Answer

Improved health outcomes

Question 5

The term 'cultural capital' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Non-material advantages that benefit students in education

Answer

Financial resources available to students

Answer

The intrinsic value of different cultures

Answer

The role of teachers in shaping student outcomes

Question 6

Which of the following policies is designed to improve educational opportunities for students from low-income families?

Accepted Answer

Free school meals

Answer

University tuition fees

Answer

School vouchers

Answer

Selective school admissions

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of a qualitative research method in sociology of education?

Accepted Answer

Interviews

Answer

Surveys

Answer

Experimental studies

Answer

Meta-analysis

Question 8

Research suggests that students from lower-income families are more likely to attend which type of school in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive schools

Answer

Grammar schools

Answer

Independent schools

Answer

Special educational needs schools

Question 9

Which of the following is a key concept in Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital?

Accepted Answer

Habitus

Answer

Bourdieu

Answer

Educational attainment

Answer

Social mobility

Question 10

How does the concept of social reproduction relate to educational inequality?

Accepted Answer

It suggests that social inequality is perpetuated through the education system

Answer

It emphasizes the importance of parental influence on educational outcomes

Answer

It challenges the idea that education can be a tool for social mobility

Answer

It argues that educational inequality is a result of individual choice

Question 11

Which sociological perspective suggests that educational inequality is mainly caused by cultural differences between social classes?

Accepted Answer

Cultural deprivation theory

Answer

Social reproduction theory

Answer

Social capital theory

Answer

Conflict theory

Question 12

Which ethical principle in education prioritizes fairness and equal chances for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Equity

Answer

Excellence

Answer

Efficiency

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a direct way in which cultural factors influence educational attainment?

Accepted Answer

Government policies

Answer

Values and beliefs

Answer

Socialization practices

Answer

Peer group influences

Question 14

Which social class group typically has the highest educational attainment in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Upper class

Answer

Working class

Answer

Middle class

Question 15

How does the gender gap in educational attainment in the UK generally manifest?

Accepted Answer

Girls outperform boys in STEM subjects, while boys outperform girls in non-STEM subjects.

Answer

Girls outperform boys in all subjects.

Answer

Boys outperform girls in all subjects.

Answer

There is no significant gender gap in educational attainment.

Question 16

The concept of 'cultural capital' in sociology refers to:

Accepted Answer

The accumulation of knowledge and skills that are valued in a particular social context.

Answer

The financial resources available to an individual or family.

Answer

The social networks and connections that an individual has.

Answer

The ability to speak and write in a standard form of the language.

Question 17

What is the relationship between education and social mobility?

Accepted Answer

Education can provide opportunities for upward mobility, but it is not guaranteed.

Answer

Education is always a pathway to upward mobility.

Answer

Education has no impact on social mobility.

Answer

Education typically leads to downward mobility.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a factor that contributes to the achievement gap between different social classes in the United Kingdom?

Accepted Answer

Natural talent

Answer

Parents' educational attainment

Answer

Cultural capital, such as knowledge and skills valued by schools

Answer

Material deprivation, like lack of resources or access to learning opportunities

Question 19

What does the term 'hidden curriculum' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Unwritten rules, values, and behaviors that are taught in schools but not explicitly part of the formal curriculum.

Answer

The curriculum designed to promote critical thinking and social justice.

Answer

The curriculum explicitly taught in textbooks and classrooms.

Question 20

The term 'gendered curriculum' describes:

Accepted Answer

How the curriculum can reflect and reinforce gender stereotypes, sometimes limiting opportunities for girls or boys.

Answer

The curriculum focusing on the experiences of women and girls.

Answer

The curriculum specifically designed to promote gender equality.

Question 21

Which of these is NOT a common strategy to address gender inequality in education?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging girls to pursue traditionally female-dominated subjects, like childcare or nursing.

Answer

Providing role models for girls in STEM fields, like science and engineering.

Answer

Challenging gender stereotypes in textbooks and teaching materials.

Question 22

What are some contributing factors to the 'achievement gap' between ethnic groups in the UK?

Accepted Answer

A combination of factors, including institutional racism, cultural capital, and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Answer

The inherent intellectual abilities of different ethnic groups.

Question 23

The idea that education can be used to promote social mobility and reduce inequality is known as:

Accepted Answer

The 'functionalist' perspective on education.

Answer

The 'postmodern' perspective on education.

Answer

The 'interactionist' perspective on education.

Answer

The 'conflict' perspective on education.

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of the 'functionalist' view of education?

Accepted Answer

It ignores the role of education in transmitting cultural values.

Answer

It fails to adequately address the issue of social inequality.

Answer

It oversimplifies the relationship between education and social mobility.

Question 25

What does the 'labeling theory' suggest about education?

Accepted Answer

Teachers' expectations and labels can influence students' achievement, sometimes creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Answer

The social class of students is the main factor influencing their achievement.

Answer

The curriculum is the primary determinant of student success.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT a policy aimed at reducing educational inequality in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Introducing more selective grammar schools, which are often seen to reinforce social class divisions.

Answer

Offering targeted support for students with special educational needs, ensuring they receive appropriate help.

Answer

Expanding access to early years education, providing a better foundation for learning.

Answer

Providing free school meals to disadvantaged students, addressing material deprivation.