Roles and Processes in Schools

What is setting?

A method of grouping students into classes based on their ability in specific subjects. It's also known as streaming or tracking.  

What is streaming?

The practice of grouping students into classes based on their perceived ability level 

What is an ideal pupil?

A construct that teachers use to evaluate students. It's a model of the characteristics and behaviours of a model student. 

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy?

A situation where a belief or expectation comes true because people act in ways that confirm the belief 

According to Bernstein what is restricted code?

A type of informal language used that is often associated with working-class people 

According to Bernstein, what is elaborate code?

A style of language that is explicit, detailed, and context-independent. It is used in formal situations, such as education, and is associated with the middle and upper classes. 

What is labelling theory?

Individuals' self-identity and behaviour can be significantly influenced by the labels assigned to them by society, meaning that when someone is repeatedly labelled as deviant or criminal, they are more likely to internalise that label and act accordingly, often leading to further deviant behaviour 

What is the evaluation of labelling theory?

Often criticised for being overly deterministic, neglecting the root causes of primary deviance, and failing to address power dynamics in labelling processes adequately 

What is the reaction to the labelling theory?

The reaction of others to a person's behaviour, particularly negative reactions like labelling them as "deviant" or "criminal," is what significantly contributes to their continued deviant behaviour; essentially, the act of labelling someone can lead them to internalise that label and act in accordance with it, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. 

What is the Rosenthal and Jacobson case study about labelling?

Most known for their study on the "Pygmalion effect" which demonstrated how teacher expectations can significantly influence student performance, essentially acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy where students labelled as high-achievers tend to perform better simply because teachers believe they will, while those labelled as low-achievers may perform worse due to lowered expectations; this concept is often referred to as "teacher labelling" within the field of education and social psychology. 

What is the Ray Rist case study about labelling?

Rist found that the teacher grouped students based on their socio-economic status, creating the "Tigers" group, comprised of neat, middle-class, academically advanced students, the "Cardinals," who were average, and the "Clownfish," who were considered troublesome students from poor, working-class, and deprived backgrounds. 

What is the Hempel Jorgenson case study about labelling theory?

A sociologist primarily known for her research on the concept of the "ideal pupil" within education, highlighting how the perception of the ideal student varies significantly depending on the socio-economic composition of a school with working-class schools often prioritising obedience and behaviour over academic ability compared to middle-class schools where personality and engagement are valued more highly