Social Class Distinctions in Adolescents' Reports of Problems and Punishment in School

Abstract

Adolescents from high- and low-income backgrounds were interviewed about their perceptions of their own and others' disciplinary infractions and consequences in school. High-income adolescents reported fewer misbehaviors and behaviors which were playful, whereas those of low-income youth stemmed mainly from anger. Low-income adolescents reported a greater number and variety of penalties that seemed both disproportionate to offenses and humiliating in nature. It is suggested that inequitable school conditions for low-income students influence their behaviors and disciplinary practices contribute to their anger and alienation. Moreover, low-income adolescents' acting-out or withdrawal behaviors are likely to be perceived by others as signs of emotional disturbance and not as legitimate responses to social class inequities in school and society.