Metaphors as Storehouses of Expectation

Abstract

Drawing upon a research project initially undertaken by Allan Beavis, this article explores how metaphors are used to identify and store some of the expectations which structure the interactions and communications of schools. The first part outlines a particular systems-theoretical view of schools (and other educational institutions) derived from the social theories of the German sociologist Niklas Luhmann. The importance of structures of expectations in maintaining a school's identity is argued. The second part illustrates how the metaphors identified in Beavis's study provide material contexts for identifying and storing the structures to guarantee their stability.