Unveiling the Inequality: How Social Background Affects School Council Participation
Introduction: Why This Matters
How democratic are our school councils, truly?
Isabel Kempner, a researcher at the EEF and co-author of the book 'School Councils - Democratic Forums or Exclusive Clubs?', tackled this crucial question in her master's research. Her comprehensive examination of the relationship between social background and school council participation has essential implications for UK schools.
The Question of Access
Guided by her supervisor, Jan Germen Janmaat, Isabel delved deep into the issue of access, asking whether pupils from different socio-demographic backgrounds have equitable opportunities to participate in school councils. Her approach to this question was two-fold: firstly, she evaluated the availability of school councils in different types of schools, and secondly, she looked at the participation rates among specific groups of students.
The Socio-Economic Divide
Isabel's research put a spotlight on socio-economic status—commonly known as social background—as a key factor in determining access to school councils. She hypothesised that students from more socially advantaged backgrounds are more likely to be active participants. This reflects broader societal inequalities, where those from advantaged backgrounds often have greater political influence.
Isabel’s Conclusions: An Unequal Landscape
Isabel Kempner's study led to some troubling conclusions.
She found that social background is indeed a significant predictor of who gets to participate in school councils, both at the individual and school levels.
The link between social background and council access was particularly striking in England.
Time for Change: Towards Inclusive Councils
The findings reveal that traditional school councils often perpetuate existing social inequalities. They lean towards the participation of students from socially advantaged backgrounds, thereby missing out on a broader array of voices. Given the voluntary and competitive nature of traditional school councils, this warrants urgent attention.
As educators and policymakers, this calls for immediate action. Transitioning to more inclusive models, like those advocated by the charity Smart School Councils, could foster genuinely democratic spaces where every voice is heard, regardless of social background.
It's time to transform our school councils into truly democratic platforms that accurately represent the diverse communities they serve.
Smart School Councils, a charity devoted to establishing an inclusive approach to pupil voice, invites you to join this vital conversation. Your thoughts and opinions can help shape a more equitable future for all students.
Stay tuned for more insights as we continue to explore the complexities of pupil voice and school councils.