Mort-Hog
If moral relativism is wrong, I don't wanna be right.
Posts: 4,192
People are not born equal nor do they have equality of opportunity.
Working your way up from poverty is very hard. Having ability or intelligence is irrelevant to your class.
Firstly, those born into a poor family are certain to go to a state school. That isn't really a problem in Britain, vast majority of people go to state schools, but from what I've heard American state schools are generally quite bad? It must be better than homeschooling, though. Private schools will be better, though (well not necessarily...).
Secondly, they won't be able to afford extra-curricular activities, like school visits and things. Also they won't be able afford books.
Thirdly, their parents are likely to be less educated, so they won't be able to help them with homework or give additional education. Psychology students might jump in and say something about parent rolemodels here?
Fourthly, their parents are less likely to know the teachers personally. Middle class students' parents are likely to go to the same social events as the teachers and know them personally, which would affect how the teacher educates the children.
Fifthly, they are likely to have a much worse diet, not affording fresh fruit and thatwhat, leaving them less able to concentrate and more susceptible to disease that would leave them with time off school.
There are lots of things that you take for granted. There's the internet for one. These are all advantages all the cultural capital that you have that they don't and will all affect their educational achievement.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. " - Bertrand Russell
The Triumph of Stupidity in Mortals and Others 1931-1935