Interactionist view

• What does labelling theory state about how people treat others?

  People decide on the characters of others and treat them accordingly, regardless of fairness.
• Who proposed the concept of the 'ideal type' in education?


  Becker proposed the concept of the 'ideal type' in education.
• What characteristics define the 'ideal type' according to Becker?


  The 'ideal type' is characterized by being conscientious, disciplined, and hard-working.
• How do labels affect the teacher-pupil relationship?

  Labels significantly influence how teachers discipline and encourage pupils.
• What happens to a pupil labelled as a 'troublemaker'?

  They are disciplined more harshly than their classmates.
• What is a self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of labelling theory?

  A self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when a student internalizes a label and acts according to it.
• How might a student labelled as a 'troublemaker' behave in school?

  They might behave poorly because they believe that is what is expected of them.
• What type of study did Rosenthal & Jacobson conduct?


  They conducted a field experiment in a primary school.
• What was the outcome of Rosenthal & Jacobson's experiment?


  Pupils labelled as making rapid academic progress performed better in tests.
• What did Hargreaves find about boys in lower streams in secondary modern schools?


  They were labelled as 'worthless louts' and formed an anti-school subculture.
• How did Lacey describe the impact of streaming on pupils' self-esteem?


  Streaming undermined their self-worth and led to low self-esteem.
• What did Lacey's study reveal about the behavior of boys in lower streams?


  They often formed anti-school subcultures to gain status among peers.
• What extreme physical reactions did some boys experience due to labelling and streaming?

  Some boys suffered from bedwetting and insomnia.
• What are the four types of pupil subcultures identified by Hargreaves & Lacey?


  • Pro-school: supportive and believe in the system
  • Manipulative: it suits their interests
  • Anti-school: drift into non-conformist behavior
  • Rejecting: actively reject school
• What is a strength of labelling theory in education?

  It shows the negative impact labelling can have on pupils.
• What is a weakness of labelling theory according to Margaret Fuller's research?


  Negative labelling can sometimes motivate students to work harder.
• What criticism is made about the reliability of Rosenthal and Jacobson's research?


  Other studies have revealed no significant effects from similar experiments.
• Why might it be questioned whether teachers label along social class lines today?

  Teachers are among the most sensitively trained professionals in the world.
• What is the current 'aspirational culture' of education?


  It refers to the emphasis on high expectations and aspirations for all students.