CHAPTER 7 - SOCIAL CLASS AS A FACTOR IN STUDENT SOCIAL RELATIONS

Abstract

This chapter discusses the social framework within which student social relations are meaningful. The chapter focuses on those areas in which social relations are influenced by the students' social class of origin. Cultural differences of the social classes or socioeconomic groups from which students come are reflected in and have at least some influence on what happens within the student body whether or not there is real consciousness among the students that this is so. The chapter discusses cultural and spatial factors at work in student social relations, which modify and fill out the present framework in various ways. The chapter shows that the students are conscious of the influence of social class and describes the social classes of students as meaningful groupings within the student body. The chapter discusses the various factors that operate in a number of spheres of association of students. The chapter shows that the students are well aware of the kinds of discrimination that are operating for and against particular social groups. The chapter discusses students' attitudes to the effect of the collegiate system on class divisions and examines the factors which students think to affect the prestige of a college.