Habitus in elite public high schools: A case study from the perspectives of shareholders

• Published in: International journal of educational development Vol. 109; p. 103107
• Main Authors: Schoville, Meltem Çengel, Schoville, Robert Guy, Çöğmen, Suna, Özelçi, Serap Yılmaz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Case study; Elite public schools; Habitus; High schools; Case study; Elite public schools; High schools; Habitus
• ISSN: 0738-0593
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijedudev.2024.103107

This case study employs a Bourdieusian theoretical framework to analyze the relationship between an individual’s habitus and their perceptions about the value of education as described by students, teachers, and principals from two elite public high schools in Aydin, Turkey. The study argues that, as a part of school climate, the elite schools contribute to the reproduction of cultural capital that funds elite student habitus. Study results show that all the participants have positive perceptions about their schools, and all participants' habitus is supported by and reflective of the existing habitus of their school. This situation is sometimes a preference for elitism, but sometimes it is experienced as an obligation. The results confirm prior studies and related literature on the interrelationship between schooling, student habitus, and socio-economic reproduction. •This qualitative study employs Bourdieu’s concept of “habitus”.•All participants shared a common perception of their school as elite and unique.•School habitus provides a sense of belonging to an elite group defined by a tradition of academic excellence.•The habitus exhibited by students is reflected in the habitus of teachers and principals.•The elite school performs a role in the reproduction of social and economic inequality by teaching students to think.