The essay “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work” by Jean Anyon discusses the issue of inequality in educational approaches that teachers use for children from different social backgrounds. Although it is a well-known fact that schools from more affluent districts usually enjoy better facilities and resources, the differences in teaching methods are much less apparent. Anyon observed the way classes were taught in five different schools that she referred to as “working class”, “middle-class”, “affluent professional” and “executive elite schools” according to the average income and social characteristics of the students’ families. The author found out that educational approaches and pedagogical logic varied greatly across these schools. Children from poorer families were mainly taught to follow instructions, while students from higher social classes were asked to demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills. Such approach only reinforces current social relationships and makes it hard for student to escape the social class they belong to.
In her article Anyon raises a very important issue for professional educators. Although it may seem that first years of school should provide equal opportunities to every student, in fact teachers only reinforce the existing social hierarchy. Perhaps such approach has always existed in the educational system; however Anyon’s comparative analysis made the differences in educational philosophies have become more apparent. Moreover, detailed discussion of specific teaching practices across several school disciplines makes it easy to contrast educational practices across the 5 schools under investigation. Unfortunately, this study aims to create awareness about the issue of a “hidden curriculum” rather than to derive solid conclusions. Deeper analysis of the implications of the differences in teaching methods as well further investigation into the effects such differences have on students’ analytical and cognitive abilities could add validity to Anyon’s arguments.
Education is one of the cornerstones of equal opportunities for children from different social classes. However, current educational system often reinforces existing social relationships rather than empowers children to change the status quo. The article by Jean Anyon helps to see that the problem of inequality is deeply embedded into the educational system and changing it would require more than merely providing resources to schools in less affluent districts.
References
Anyon, Jean. "Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work." Journal of Education. 162.1 (1980): n. page. Print. <http://cuip.uchicago.edu/~cac/nlu/fnd504/anyon.htm>.
