Pupils and Identities and Subcultures

What are subcultures?

A group of people who share a distinct culture within a larger society. Subcultures can be based on shared interests, values, or lifestyles.

What is symbolic capital?

The value or resources that a person has due to their prestige, recognition, or honour. It's a form of capital that can influence social power dynamics. 

What is symbolic violence?

A form of non-physical violence that occurs when one social group imposes its values on another. It's a concept developed by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. 

What is the working class dilemma?

The conflict faced by individuals from working-class backgrounds, particularly in education, where they must choose between conforming to their peer group's identity and values, which may not prioritise academic achievement, or strive for higher education and potentially alienate their community by moving away from their established social norms and identity. 

What are characteristics of pro-school subcultures?

A group of students who are committed to their school's values and rules, and who strive for academic success. Pro-school students are often seen as model students, and they may be involved in extracurricular activities.  

What are academic achievers?

Students who excel academically and aspire to high grades

What are new enterprisers?

Students who participate in school activities, such as sports, music, and drama, and are often admired by their peers 

What are characteristics of anti-school subcultures?

• Disruptive behaviour: They may call out teachers, disrupt lessons, and take advantage of supply teachers  

• Negative attitudes: They may have negative attitudes towards teachers and academic achievement  

• Rebellious: They may rebel against the school's rules and norms  

• Lack of effort: They may not see the point in putting effort into their studies  

• Risk of exclusion: They may be at risk of exclusion from school 

Who are the lads?

A group of working-class boys identified by British sociologist Paul Willis in his study Learning to Labour. The Lads valued "having a laugh" in class over learning.  

Who are the Macho lads?

A group of academic failures who saw school as hostile and pointless. They valued acting tough and looking after their mates.  

What is differentiation?

The process by which teachers categorise students based on perceived ability and behaviour, leading to the emergence of distinct groups within the classroom.

What is polarisation?

This refers to the process where students move towards opposite ends of the spectrum of ability and behaviour, resulting in a clear split between high-achievers and underachievers, often reinforcing existing subcultures

What are peer groups and symbolic capital?

Peer groups often establish their own forms of symbolic capital, which can influence how students perceive themselves and others within the educational environment.

What is symbolic according to Archer?

The ways in which dominant cultural norms and values are subtly imposed on marginalised groups, leading them to internalise feelings of inferiority and alienation. This process can significantly affect students' self-esteem and academic engagement.

What are school environments according to Reay?

Factors such as teacher expectations and peer relationships play a crucial role in shaping students' identities in school environments. Reay argues that these interactions can either reinforce or challenge existing social hierarchies, ultimately impacting students’ overall academic experience and sense of belonging.

What is the ethnocentric curriculum according to Ball?

Ball highlights that an ethnocentric curriculum often prioritises the history and contributions of dominant groups, neglecting the perspectives of minority cultures. This lack of representation can perpetuate feelings of exclusion among students from diverse backgrounds, affecting their academic performance and identity formation.

What is subject choice?

It is another significant factor that influences identity development, as students often select subjects based on perceived social status, peer influence, and cultural relevance. This decision-making process can reflect and reinforce the social divisions within the school, as certain subjects may be viewed as more prestigious or valuable depending on the students' backgrounds and aspirations.

What role do uniforms play?

The implementation of school uniforms can also play a crucial role in shaping identities and subcultures, as they often promote a sense of equality among students while simultaneously allowing for individual expression through personal accessories or choices in footwear. This balance can help mitigate the impact of social hierarchies based on clothing but can also lead to students finding alternative ways to assert their identities, such as through their hairstyle or other non-uniform elements.

What are subcultures?

Students often form distinct subcultures that emerge in response to the shared experiences and values within their peer groups, creating unique identities that may challenge or conform to mainstream norms. These subcultures can be defined by various factors, including music preferences, fashion choices, and recreational activities, which serve as a means for students to connect with like-minded individuals and assert their individuality in a competitive social environment.

What is labelling?

It can significantly impact how students perceive themselves and each other within these subcultures, often leading to stereotypes that influence social interactions. The labels assigned, whether positive or negative, can reinforce group identities, creating a sense of belonging but also potentially fostering division among different groups. This dynamic can affect students' self-esteem and their engagement with school life, shaping their educational experience and social networks.