Neo-Marxist Paul Willis:Learning to labour

Willis research

• He researched 12 boys from one school with a reputation of rebellion. He evaluated tier behaviour at the start of the year then at the end . This research proved not all students are brainwashed into the capitalistic hidden values of the hidden curriculum.

Willis criticism on traditional Marxist

• Some students do reject the values & norms implemented in school that benefits the working class. Many of these pupils realise they have no real opportunity to succeed in the system.

3 Values the “lads” followed as a counter school system.

1. Felt superior to teachers and other students

2. Had no attachment to school work or academic success

3. They were rewarded with group status of who missed the most lessons.

Attitudes to future work

• Looked forward to manual labour and pointed out that it is the only type of real job, everything else is pointless.

• Very sexist

• Participate in other non school activities - smoking and partying