How does social stratification affect education?

Question

How does social stratification affect education?

Answer 1

In America, we have the example of segregation which fits the neatly into answering your question.  The funding formula for public schools has been ruled as unconstitutional by State Supreme Courts in Ohio and Kentucky.  The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the funding formula for public school systems is unconstitutional because monies are derived from property taxes which is in direct proportion to a community's ability to pass levies.  If one lives in a poor community based on this standard, then their school system cannot afford books, while the other can afford to purchase computers.  

If I understand correctly the term social stratification, the socio-economic calculations for public education in a rich community versus a poor community has a direct correlation to the affect of education. Ironically, the local and national legislatures have not the political will to correct what all know to be the problem.

Answer 2

Social stratification has a huge effect on education via cultural capital - basically, middle and upper class parents instill an academic background / attitude into their children before they even attend school.  They also have more money to fund education resources such as computers, books and trips to art and history museums, putting the lower class child at a disadvantage before they begin education.

It then has a second effect whereby some lower class communities actively encourage an anti-academic attitude in their children / peers, teaching them to view education people as 'the man' or the enemy - these attitudes can then have the further effect of discouraging academic achievement or ambition.

Moreoever, those with economic capital can ensure their children attend better schools, or even move to come under the zone for good schools.  Even where they cannot afford this, middle class parents may avoid comprehensive schools known to be in very deprived areas, further encouraging ghetto-ism for children who have no option but to attend those schools.

Answer 3

it's all about $$$$$$$$$$$$