A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The deficit model is situated within the broader discussion of educational achievement and inequality. It posits that underperformance or failure in educational settings can be attributed to deficiencies or inadequacies in students' home environments, particularly concerning socio-economic status, parental support, and educational resources. This perspective highlights how certain groups, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, may lack the cultural or economic resources that are deemed necessary for success in the education system.

This model implies that if students are not achieving to their potential, it is often because their backgrounds do not provide the necessary support, be it academic guidance, a conducive learning environment, or encouragement to value education. The deficit model has profound implications for policy and practice, as it suggests that improvements in students' home situations could lead to better educational outcomes.

In contrast, the meritocracy model emphasizes the idea that individuals succeed or fail based on their own abilities and efforts, suggesting that the educational system is fair and rewards hard work. The individual responsibility model also focuses on personal responsibility and agency, asserting that success is largely a result of one's own choices. The cultural capital model addresses the cultural assets that students from different backgrounds bring into the educational environment and how these can shape their educational experiences and outcomes, rather than framing achievement purely in terms of deficits