Sociology Essay

In what ways do social class, gender and ethnicity intersect with educational attainment and participation? Provide some examples to illustrate.

Nearly thirteen years into the new millennium and so many of the gaps most noticeable within the education system in the twentieth century have been closed. Attainment and participation in both primary and secondary education is now almost equally open to boys and girls from around the world, and tertiary education is even seeing a bias in women’s attendance over men. However, despite these positive changes, social class, gender and ethnicity still have a major impact on education and intersect with not only attendance, but with personal achievement too. Since the industrial …show more content…

This had a major impact on results and overall average grades. Irish native students had higher reading scores, higher maths scores and also higher scores in science than first-generation and second-generation migrants. (OECD PISA, 2006) This is similar around the world. This shows how ethnicity affects student achievement through language barriers and lack of support. There has, however, been a strong focus on language support, especially in Ireland in recent years due to the increase in student mobility. There has also been a text book and curriculum analysis in Ireland where in both primary and secondary education, the promotion and celebration of diversity and values are appropriate to a pluralist society. (International Sociology, 27(4) 574-59.) This, in my opinion, is good for the learning and attainment of students of different ethnic backgrounds because they are more accepted into Irish society by native students. In terms of participation in education, social class is highly linked. Factors such as finance and parenting/ family interest in educating their children are quite important in school attendance. Lower classes do not have as much choice, especially in higher/ third level education as it is often too expensive. There have been many debates regarding third level fees.
Free primary education in many countries worldwide has also increased the amount of enrollments. Even more good news is that regarding gender, most