Basil Bernstein

Basil Bernstein was a sociologist who studied how language and communication styles influence social class and education. He argued that different social groups develop distinct ways of speaking—what he called "codes"—which affect how individuals succeed academically and socially. Bernstein identified two main types: "restricted" codes, often used by working-class groups, and "elaborated" codes, common among middle-class groups. These communication styles can impact access to opportunities and how norms are understood, contributing to social inequalities. His work highlights how language reflects and reinforces social structures, emphasizing the importance of understanding communication in educational and social contexts.