Using Bourdieu's theory of cultural reproduction to examine English language learning: A multilevel study in three lower- and middle-income countries

Abstract

This study examines the determinants of the gaps in learning outcomes of students in three lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) – Ethiopia, India, and Vietnam. We examined the extent to which English language performance relates to Bourdieu's theory of cultural reproduction, using the Young Lives international school survey data in the three countries. We employed a three-level multilevel model, to investigate variables at the individual, classroom and school levels that may influence English language skills of students. We find that differences in English test performance are attributable to both home background and school factors in all three contexts. Within countries, we find evidence of a high degree of variation in the English test scores of students between schools, indicating the importance of schooling quality and school characteristics for the development of English language skills. We conclude that the process of cultural reproduction through schooling is different for each country, with school-level factors found to reinforce social stratification in countries that are less equitable. This study provides a robust quantitative contribution to the literature base on English language learning in LMICs, where large-scale cross-country comparisons are relatively uncommon due to a relative lack of suitable data. The results and recommendations would be of interest to education stakeholders within LMIC contexts.