Key Concepts
What’s it called when you pick up habits and attitudes from your family without even realizing it?
Habitus
How do middle-class parents usually tell their kids to act with teachers?
Speak up, ask questions, and stand up for yourself.
What happens when teachers expect all kids to act like middle-class kids?
It leaves out students who learned different ways of behaving.
What does SAT score data show about money and education?
Kids from wealthier families usually score higher.
What’s one creative way schools can teach about racism and inequality?
Movies/Documentaries
Readings/Graphic novels
What do we call the skills and ways of acting that schools expect and reward?
Cultural Capital
How do working-class parents usually teach their kids to act with authority?
Be respectful, don’t argue, and follow the rules.
Why is it a problem if a teacher doesn’t explain exactly what they expect?
Kids who already know the “unwritten rules” do better, and others get left behind.
How does being familiar with schoolwork help some students?
It makes them more confident and able to perform better.
What kind of classroom makes kids feel safe to ask for help?
A friendly, supportive, and non-judgmental one.
What does "social reproduction" mean in education?
When schools accidentally keep social class differences going, instead of fixing them.
Why might some students stay quiet even when they need help?
They were taught not to bother authority figures or fear being judged.
What’s symbolic violence in education?
When unfair things in school are treated like they’re just “normal” instead of unfair.
What did the Sussex workshops try to fix?
They worked on helping low-income students succeed by understanding their challenges.
Can just one teacher fix inequality in their classroom?
It helps, but bigger changes in the whole system are usually needed too.
What’s it called when certain families keep the best school resources (like tutors and prep classes) mostly for themselves?
Opportunity hoarding
How can a student’s family background affect their confidence in classroom discussions?
Middle-class students often feel more comfortable because the way they talk fits what teachers expect.
Why might a teacher misunderstand a quiet kid?
They might think the kid doesn’t care, but really, the kid might just be shy or unsure how to ask for help.
How did "raising hands" in class show inequality?
It made working-class students feel more embarrassed if they didn’t know the answer fast.
How can teachers use critical reflection to fight inequality?
By thinking about their own biases and how school rules might be unfair.
What is the "hidden curriculum" in schools?
The unspoken rules and expectations that help middle-class students more because they already know how to act.
How does what you learn at home growing up affect how you do in school later on?
It shapes how well you fit in at school — some kids naturally match what teachers look for, while others don’t and can fall behind.
How can grading and school rules favor middle-class students?
Because they reward behaviors and skills that middle-class students are more likely to already know.
How do racism and class bias together hurt students of color in school?
They limit opportunities, lower expectations, and cause stress that affects learning.
How does building students' confidence help fight inequality?
It gives all students the power to speak up, ask for help, and succeed, no matter where they come from.