Schools can perpetuate social inequalities from "summary" of Schools and Society: A Sociological Approach to Education by Jeanne H. Ballantine,Joan Z. Spade
The educational system is a powerful institution that plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ life chances and opportunities. However, despite the ideal of equal educational opportunities for all, schools can perpetuate social inequalities. This occurs due to various factors that intersect to create disparities in educational outcomes among different social groups. One key factor is the unequal distribution of resources among schools. Schools in affluent neighborhoods tend to have more funding, better facilities, and higher-quality teachers compared to schools in low-income areas. This disparity in resources can result in unequal educational experiences and outcomes for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. As a result, students from wealthier families often have access to better educational opportunities and are more likely to succeed academically. Furthermore, the curriculum and teaching practices in schools may also contribute to the perpetuation of social inequalities. The curriculum often reflects the dominant culture and values of society, which may marginalize or exclude students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, teaching practices that favor certain learning styles or abilities can disadvantage students who do not fit the mold of the “ideal” student. Social inequalities are also perpetuated through tracking and ability grouping in schools. These practices often segregate students based on perceived academic ability, which can have long-lasting consequences for students’ educational trajectories. Students who are placed in lower tracks or groups may receive inferior instruction and fewer opportunities for academic enrichment, ultimately limiting their prospects for success. Moreover, the hidden curriculum in schools can reinforce existing social hierarchies and inequalities. The hidden curriculum refers to the values, norms, and expectations that are implicitly taught in schools through everyday interactions and routines. This can include lessons on conformity, obedience, and deference to authority, which may reinforce existing power structures and perpetuate social inequalities.- Schools can perpetuate social inequalities through various mechanisms such as unequal resource distribution, curriculum and teaching practices, tracking and ability grouping, and the hidden curriculum. Recognizing and addressing these factors is essential for creating a more equitable educational system that provides equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their social background.
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