Cultural Deprivation - GCSE Sociology Definition

Cultural deprivation refers to the lack of cultural resources and experiences that are essential for academic success, particularly in the context of education.

In GCSE Sociology, it explains how some students may be disadvantaged if they come from backgrounds where they do not have access to the attitudes, skills, and knowledge typically valued by the education system. This concept suggests that children from such backgrounds might underperform in school because they might not receive the same level of support, such as reading materials at home or exposure to language and activities that promote intellectual development, as their more culturally affluent peers.

Cultural deprivation is often associated with working-class families and can contribute to the educational achievement gap.