The differences in socioeconomic status can perpetuate an achievement gap in the classroom. A U.S. Department of Education survey of more than 16,000 kindergartners revealed vast disparities. Those whose families fell in the lowest fifth owned 38 books, compared to the 108 owned by the top fifth.
Cliques based on economic status may form in classes. Wealthier students are able to wear name-brand clothing and participate in high-cost extracurricular programs, which results in strong bonds, while those with lower economic status may bond based on hardship and personality types.These cliques can result in divided and tense classrooms that compromise learning.
Some teachers may show favoritism to wealthier students to prevent conflict with their influential parents or because they're higher achievers, while others may give more attention to students of lower economic status because of behavioral issues, desire to change lives or identification with the child's circumstances.
Economic status diversity can teach tolerance and acceptance. Over time, students from different socioeconomic statuses can learn from each other, become friends and overcome economic differences. Teachers can use the existence of socioeconomic differences as an opportunity for students to learn about demographics and societal class issues.