Is the future of children predestined by the social origin of parents?
The sociologist Pierre Bourdieu has highlighted the role of cultural heritage in the phenomenon of social reproduction. Thus, the social position would be maintained from one generation to another by the transmission of a heritage, material and immaterial. The future of children is he really predestined by the social milieu of parents ?
The influence of the family environment in school success
It is first of all within the family that thechild acquires and develops cognitive and social skills. Thus, the family education system creates more or less favorable conditions during the continuation of schooling. It is also noted that the parents have a key role in the academic success of children. The evolution of a child in the education system is not necessarily correlated with the social environment. However, it is clear that the immaterial capital "bequeathed" is closely linked to the socio-cultural environment.
Social "locks" for children who are handicaps to success
Difficult for a low-income family to finance long studies. The lack of information is another obstacle. Less knowledgeable about opportunities and diversity of curricula, children from disadvantaged social backgrounds find it more difficult to integrate large institutions. Finally, some adolescents self-censor, judging themselves less legitimate or less able than others. These locks pursue them: the geographical origin can be a handicap during a job search.
The equality of chances
In recent years, some higher education institutions have pursued a policy of diversification of their student body. For example, Sciences Po welcomes more and more students from areas of priority education. A form of "positive discrimination" that promotes equal opportunities, regardless of the social background of parents.
