What term describes the tendency of schools to prepare students for the types of jobs typically held by members of their social class?

The term that best describes the tendency of schools to prepare students for the types of jobs typically held by members of their social class is the correspondence principle. This principle, developed by sociologist Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, posits that there is a direct correlation between the structure and organization of schools and the social relations and job structures in society.

According to the correspondence principle, the way schools are organized mirrors the hierarchical nature of the labor market, meaning that students from lower social classes are often prepared for lower-status jobs, while those from higher social classes receive training that aligns with more advanced and prestigious positions. This reflects broader social inequalities and perpetuates class distinctions, as the educational curriculum, discipline methods, and social processes within schools are aligned with the needs of the economy and society, thus reinforcing existing class stratifications.