Final answer:
The educational system reinforces social inequality by perpetuating differences in class, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The educational system reinforces rather than reduces inequality because it perpetuates social inequalities that arise from differences in class, gender, race, and ethnicity.
Conflict theorists argue that educational systems preserve the status quo and push people of lower status into obedience, thus furthering social inequality.
For example, students from wealthier families can afford better quality education, tutors, and additional resources, while students from low-income backgrounds may lack access to these advantages, resulting in unequal educational opportunities and outcomes.