Pupil subcultures

Pupil subcultures are groups of students who share some values, norms and behaviour, which give them a sense of identify, and provide them with status through peer-group affirmation.

Lower set students feel rejected and opt to gain recognition through deviant behaviour.

Lower sets are more likely to be working class

Higher set students conform to the schools norms and values and celebrate their status through pro school subcultures

Higher sets are more likely to be middle class

Subcultures formed due to working class student's recognising the uselessness of education for working class males

Studied black girls in year 11, they were high ability but had a racist teacher so formed a subculture and worked alone to succeed and achieve good grades