Revision Case Study: Paul Willis - 'Learning to Labour' (1977)

What was the aim of his study?

To study conflict in education and why working-class children went on to do working-class Jobs. It studied it from a Marxist perspective.

What did he have to do to gain access to the school?

He contacted the headteacher of the school, who was interested into the rebellious behaviour of the students.

What size was his research sample and how did he choose them?

12 boys which were in their second to last years of secondary school (year 10).

What were his key findings?

- There was an anti-school subculture that it was 'cool' to 'mess around' and to fail.

- There was a lot of racism, sexism and homophobia within the group of lards.

- Similar to behaviour on the factory floor and a lack of aspiration.

What issues did he face whilst carrying out his research?

The boys may have behaved differently when watched (the Hawkthorne Effect) and when they were interviewed (an Interviewer Effect).

What methods did he use?

He used a mixture of over participant observation and group interviews to investigate their attitudes. Groups discussions and kept diaries.

What criticism could be levelled at his study?

- The methodology is unclear.

- It is unclear the specific contexts Willis was in the exact nature of the Group interviews isn't always specified.

- It is difficult to the repeat the investigation.

- Small sample size - 12 boys.

- Romanticising the resistance of the boys & solely focused on them.

- Neglects changes in education over time.