Willis' Theory of Education

Introduction

- Althusser, Bowles & Gintis and Bourdieu examined the structural causes of inequality in the education system.

- Willis suggested that students were not 'passive puppets' and were aware of exploitation.

"Learning to Labour"

- Mixed methods approach using observations and interviews.

- Studied 'the lads', a group of working-class boys who were disruptive, misbehaved and had a very negative attitude to education.

- Anti-school subculture: praise earned from…