High school achievement among working class students in Junior Lyceums

Abstract

Research in the sociology of education frequently shows that economic, social and cultural inequalities found in the structure of society as a whole are reproduced in the educational achievements of students. Alternative perceptions argue that these outcomes and processes cannot be generalisable because some working class students experience academic success. The purpose of this study is to investigate how and why some students from the working class homes succeed in Junior Lyceums, in spite of economic, social and cultural disadvantages, especially when compared with middle class students. Both quantitative and qualitative research approaches are used in throwing some light on this phenomenon. The sample of high achieving working class students was identified by means of a preliminary questionnaire distributed among Form 4 students. Qualitative research included in depth structured and unstructured interviews with the identified sample of high achievers (25 girls and 23 boys). Through these interviews the reasons, dynamics, complexities and issues involved in their success are elicited and discussed.