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‘Maybe Life Can Become Easier Because of My Good Grades’: Children’s Conflicting Repertoires on Aspirations and Life Chances

Author

Listed:
  • Imane Kostet

    (University of Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Noel Clycq

    (University of Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Gert Verschraegen

    (University of Antwerp, Belgium)

Abstract

In this article, we draw on interviews with pupils aged 11–13 years, to analyse children’s aspirations, expectations of the future, and reasonings about social inequality in the context of an early tracking education system. We highlight the conflicting yet creative ways in which children make sense of inequality in relation to life chances. Although our child-respondents prefer structural explanations for inequality, they strategically draw on repertoires of individual social mobility to express their faith in personal agency and meritocracy. In doing so, these children use narratives of upwards mobility that have arisen in very different socio-economic and political contexts to make sense of inequality in their own locality.

Suggested Citation

  • Imane Kostet & Noel Clycq & Gert Verschraegen, 2021. "‘Maybe Life Can Become Easier Because of My Good Grades’: Children’s Conflicting Repertoires on Aspirations and Life Chances," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 26(3), pages 581-600, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:26:y:2021:i:3:p:581-600
    DOI: 10.1177/1360780420975417
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rauscher, Emily & Friedline, Terri & Banerjee, Mahasweta, 2017. "We're not rich, but we're definitely not poor: Young children's conceptions of social class," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 101-111.
    2. Nabil Khattab, 2014. "How and when Do Educational Aspirations, Expectations and Achievement Align?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 19(4), pages 61-73, December.
    3. Jeni Harden & Kathryn Backett-Milburn & Alice Maclean & Lynn Jamieson, 2012. "Hopes for the Future: Parents’ and Children's Narratives of Children's Future Employment Orientations," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 17(2), pages 1-10, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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