Socio-economic status and rurality as scholastic mortality: Exploring failure at mathematics

Robyn Jorgensen, Thomas LOWRIE

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Within the Australian context, some students are more at risk of failing at
mathematics than others. Australia performs poorly in terms of equity outcomes in
mathematics. This paper explores two significant social contexts – low socioeconomic status and rurality – two characteristics where students have traditionally
performed poorly in mathematics. The first of two key foci of the paper is the extent to
which social backgrounds constrain mathematics outcomes. The second focus draws
on a range of literatures to explore the variables that may contribute to this systemic
failure. We frame the project using Pierre Bourdieu’s theoretical ideas. Together,
these two foci provide us with a rationale for more detailed work to be undertaken to
explore the extent and impact of variables in these two contexts. This work forms the
basis for a three-year project in which we explore pedagogies associated with these
outcomes.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society Conference 2013
Subtitle of host publicationMES 7
EditorsMargot Berger, Karin Brodie, Vera Frith, Kate le Roux
Place of PublicationCape Town, South Africa
PublisherMathematics Education and Society
Pages340-349
Number of pages10
Volume2
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
EventThe Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 2 Apr 20137 Apr 2013

Publication series

NameInternational Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society Conference
PublisherMathematics Education and Society
Volume2
ISSN (Print)2077-9933

Conference

ConferenceThe Seventh International Conference of the Mathematics Education and Society
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period2/04/137/04/13

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