Item B Social class differences in achievement are found at all stages of the education system and sociologists have put forward several explanations for these differences. Some
Social class differences in achievement are found at all
stages of the education system
Sociologists focus on factors outside
school, such as the material circumstances of
pupils’ families or the ways in which parents socialise their children. Other sociologists
see factors internal to the education system itself as responsible.
However, it can be argued that it is the interaction between these external and internal
factors that produces class differences in educational achievement.

Applying material from Item B and your knowledge, evaluate sociological explanations of
social class differences in educational achievement.
[30 marks]