6. Labelling theory Interactionalist sociology To attach a meaning or definition to a student, e.g. They’re thick, smart, hardworking Some pupils are labelled positively, others negatively
7. Which pupil would be most positively labelled? I’m working class and clever Rank in order, 1 being most positive, 5 being least positive. I’m middle class and struggling I’m middle class and clever I’m middle class but struggle in class I’m working class and am not that bright Why do you think this?
8. Key sociologists in labelling ... Becker (1971) Hargreaves, Hester and Mellor (1975) Rosenthal and Jacobson (1968)
9. Cicourel and Kitsuse (1963) Inconsistencies in how teachers assessed students suitability for courses Judged on social class and race Students with similar grades- more likely to label M/C students as having college potential and to place them on higher level courses
10. Labelling starts from the outset of a child’s educational career.... Rist (1970)- American kindergarten Used info about children’s home background and appearance to place them into diff groups Tigers- fast learners, M/C and neat/clean in appearance, placed nearest to her and showed them greatest encouragement Clown and Cardinals- W/C, lower level books to read, fewer opportunities to demonstrate their abilities
12. Self Fulfilling Prophecy Prediction that comes true simply by virtue of it having been made If a teacher believes a child to be a failure, they can actually make him a failure “ what people believe to be true will have real effects- even if the original belief was not true originally!”
13. But... Self refuting prophecy= some pupils try to detach themselves from the label and prove the teacher wrong! What would the key theorists think of labelling?
