Final answer:
Sociologists argue that social class is a major factor affecting educational achievement, as students from working-class backgrounds face numerous challenges that can hinder their educational progress compared to their more privileged peers. However, other factors such as ability, work ethic, and educational policies also play a role in shaping student achievement.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sociologists examine a range of factors that can affect a student's educational achievement, of which social class is a significant one. The influence of social class can be seen in the day-to-day realities of a student from a working-class background, who may not have the same access to resources or the ability to focus solely on their studies due to familial and work obligations.
A student's socioeconomic status can limit their educational opportunities and affect their performance due to factors such as a lack of technological resources, limited help from family due to language barriers or exhaustion, and the need to contribute to household income. This often results in a disadvantage in educational attainment when compared to their peers from higher social classes, who might have more support and resources.
Although social class is a prominent factor, it is important to recognize that it is not the sole factor. Other elements include innate ability, work ethic, and school policies, which also contribute to the educational outcomes of students. Conflict theorists, for instance, would argue that educational systems perpetuate class differences through various institutional practices and norms that tend to favor the interests and cultural capital of higher social classes.