Practicing virtues: moral traditions at Quaker and military boarding schools

Abstract

This social study explores the traditions in the distinct moral worlds of Quaker and military boarding schools. Both types of schools bind their communities with shared codes of conduct: the military schools' conservative tradition emphasizing discipline and hard work; the Quaker schools' liberal tradition favouring tolerance and togetherness. At the heart of this contrast are two sets of virtues: pride, loyalty and leadership among the cadents; simplicity, equality and concern among the students at Quaker schools. During the course of a year, the author of this work lived in six schools, attending classes and staff meetings, sharing meals and informal conversation, and participating in the non-academic side of boarding-school life. Despite the outward contrast between the Quaker and military settings, Hays found surprising similarities. Both systems cherish individualism while encouraging group identification and service to the school community. The study shows that orderliness, obedience, and harmony do not in themselves create a vital moral environment. To reach that goal, teachers, students and administrators need to disagree, question rules, and fight for change.