Internal factors

Labelling, identities and pupil responses

How does labelling theory explain ethnic differences in achievement?

Becker (1971): teachers label ethnic minority students negatively (e.g. black pupils as disruptive)

How do ethnic minority pupils respond to labelling?

Fuller (1984): black girls in London rejected negative labels and worked harder to succeed

What are the pupil identities identified by Archer (2008)?

1. Ideal pupil

2. Pathologised pupil

3. Demonisied pupil

What is Archers definition of an ideal pupil?

White, middle class, academic achiever

What is Archer (200) definition of a pathologised pupil?

Asian, hardworking but passive

What is Archer (2008) definition of a demonised pupil?

Black or white working class, disruptive and underachieving

What strategies do students use to cope with teacher racism?

Mirza (1992): black girls developed strategises to avoid racist teachers while still aiming to succeed

What did Sewell find about black boys response to racism?

They conform, rebel or retreat