Sociology

There is much debate over whether, and to what extent, pupils from ethnic minorities underachieve in education, compared to white pupils. Smith & Tomlinson (1989) conducted a study of ‘multi-racial’ comprehensive schools in the 1980s, which were intended to reduce any such inequalities of opportunity. However, they found that it was social class rather than ethnic background that influenced children’s performance in these schools, and so perhaps apparent racial differences were simply a reflection of class differences. The character and quality of the school was therefore a crucial factor. 341-343