Internal Factors - Pupils’ Class Identities and the School (Archer) Flashcards
(26 cards)
What percentage of the wc will make it into elite occupations?
Only 10%
How much of the population come from wc backgrounds?
1/3
What do hiring managers look for in their candidates?
A candidate who is ‘polished’ in the way in which they present
What can present a middle or upper class status?
Accent, mannerisms, behaviour and dress
What goes completely unchallenged in lots of elite professions?
Prejudice
Why does prejudice go unchallenged in lots of elite professions?
Because for all the talk of diversity and inclusion, class is still the last barrier
Why do the mc gain ‘symbolic capital’ from the school they are in?
Because schools have a mc habitus. Mc pupils are seen to have worth and value
What are deemed to be worthless in education?
W/C tastes
What does Bourdieu believe to lead to ‘symbolic violence’?
Attitudes shown by schools towards wc tastes and lifestyles
What does symbolic violence reproduce?
Class structure and keeps the wc in their place
Why isn’t education natural to wc?
Because wc and mc habitus’ clash
What do the wc feel unable to access?
‘Posh’ mc spaces such as universities and professional careers
How does Archer believe wc can achieve?
By completely changing their identities and if they “loose themselves” E.g. by changing the way they talk and dress
What do wc pupils become aware of?
They become aware that society and school looks down on them
Why do wc pupils seek alternative ways of gaining status, self worth and value?
Because schools have negative attitudes towards them. Or due to symbolic violence
What do wc pupils invest heavily in?
Styles especially from consuming brands such as Nike
How can wc pupils ‘be themselves’?
By wearing branded clothing
What do wc pupils see education as?
Unrealistic and undesirable
Why do wc pupils see education as unrealistic?
Because it’s for richer and smarter people, and they will not fit in
Why do wc pupils see education as undesirable?
Because it would not suit their preferred lifestyle
What does Archer believe peoples investment in Nike identities is due to?
Marginalisation and a positive preference for a lifestyle
How come more wc students go to university than ever before?
Due to success of government policies
What did Evans find about students at comprehensive schools?
They’re less likely to apply for Oxbridge or Russel Groups universities
What did Bourdieu find about wc pupils applying for higher education?
They exclude themselves from applying
