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Re-invigorating democracy?: White middle class identities and comprehensive schooling

Reay, Diane; Crozier, Gill; James, David; Hollingworth, Sumi; Williams, Katya; Jamieson, Fiona; Beedell, Phoebe

Authors

Diane Reay

Gill Crozier

David James

Sumi Hollingworth

Katya Williams

Fiona Jamieson

Phoebe Beedell



Abstract

Recent research on social class and whiteness points to disquieting and exclusive aspects of white middle class identities. This paper focuses on whether 'alternative' middle class identities might work against, and disrupt, normative views of what it means to be 'middle class' at the beginning of the 21st Century. Drawing on data from those middle classes who choose to send their children to urban comprehensives, we examine processes of 'thinking and acting otherwise' in order to uncover some of the commitments and investments that might make for a renewed and reinvigorated democratic citizenry. The difficulties of turning these commitments and investments into more equitable ways of interacting with class and ethnic others which emerge as real challenges for this left leaning, pro-welfare segment of the middle classes. Within a contemporary era of neo-liberalism that valorises competition, individualism and the market even these white middle classes who express a strong commitment to community and social mixing struggle to convert inclinations into actions. © 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 The Editorial Board of The Sociological Review.

Citation

Reay, D., Crozier, G., James, D., Hollingworth, S., Williams, K., Jamieson, F., & Beedell, P. (2008). Re-invigorating democracy?: White middle class identities and comprehensive schooling. Sociological Review, 56(2), 238-255. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.2008.00786.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2008
Journal Sociological Review
Print ISSN 0038-0261
Electronic ISSN 1467-954X
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 56
Issue 2
Pages 238-255
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.2008.00786.x
Keywords white middle-class identities, comprehensive schooling
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1021407
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-954X.2008.00786.x


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