A Level Sociology Education AQA Practice Exam

What was Stephen Ball's conclusion regarding streaming in schools?

1. It led to higher academic achievement for all students

2. It caused more anti-school subcultures to form

3. It had no effect on student behaviour

4. It reduced teacher labeling of students

The correct answer is: It caused more anti-school subcultures to form

Stephen Ball's conclusion regarding streaming in schools highlights that it caused more anti-school subcultures to form. This perspective is rooted in his observations that when students are divided into different ability groups, those placed in lower streams often experience a negative label which can lead to a sense of alienation and disconnection from the academic environment. As a result, these students may develop counterproductive attitudes towards school, manifesting in behaviors that resist the school's norms and expectations, thus forming what is termed an anti-school subculture. The idea of streaming inherently suggests that lower achievers are segregated, which can perpetuate social inequalities and create a stigma around those students. Ball's work emphasizes how this labeling can foster environments where students do not feel valued, prompting them to create their own identities and communities in opposition to the school system. This indicates a profound interaction between educational practices and student behavior, illustrating the complexities of social dynamics in an academic setting.