Craig blog 2

In chapter 2, there were lots of ideas and terms thrown around describing the sociology of education and society in general. One thing I found interesting was Karl Marx's view on society. He saw that there were 2 distinct classes in a society: owners and workers, and once workers saw themselves for who they were, they could then act in their own self-interests. (pg 23) Marx also viewed education as an "outcome of activities and ideas that were created through the specific material conditions and circumstances surrounding it". (pg 23) True enough. You can learn using the things you have around you, which seems logical enough to me. Another thing I found interesting is the primary effect. (pg 41) The idea that children coming from higher class families will do better on standardized tests might seem harsh, but often rings true. I can see this in my practicum school in a sense, but not as a rule. Secondary effect (pg 41) is maybe a better way to view the life routes that are taken by individuals. People can make choices, and will usually based on their social/economic situations, but in any case are still able to make their own choices. There are many grade A students that come from lower class families and end up doing very well for themselves. So primary effects can be seen, but cannot be used to describe society as a whole.
Discussion: How much of a role does social class actually play in a students academic capability?