From Nerds to Normals

1
From Nerds to Normals!

• The Formation and Structure of Grade-School
  Cliques

2
Why are kids so MEAN?

• Its all theyve got!
• The Inexpansibility of Status or
  Schismogenicism
• Gender norms
• Our Culture of Consumption

3
Elementary School

• Cliques are less sophisticated, less stable
• More limited social environment
• Conformity is key!
• Factors of popularity differ between girls and
  boys

4
Cool Girls

• Socioeconomic Status
• (Lack of) Parental Supervision
• Physical Appearance
• Interpersonal Communication
• Exclusivity
• Academic Performance

5
Cool Boys

• Athletic Ability
• Coolness
• Toughness
• Interpersonal Communication
• Cross-gender Relations
• Academic Performance

6
MIDDLE SCHOOL
7
Are you ready for some football?

• Sports convey most status in junior high
• Leads to a competitive atmosphere
• Limits amount of status to go around
• Far more status for boys than girls

8
Cheerleading!

• Most prestigious activity for girls
• Racism?!
• Classism?!
• No way!

9
It gets better.!

• Stratification peaks by 8th grade
• Increased emphasis on physcial appearance and
  clothing can lead to class divisions
• Conformity to gender roles!
• Boys wanna be tough!
• Girls wanna be hott!

10
The Cycle of Popularity

• The bane of popular girls nationwide!
• Miraculously does not affect boys!
• Breeds mean girls!

11
High School

• More extracurricular activities
• Larger social arena
• More opportunities for status!
• Larger variety of activities offered still
  highlights race/class differences. ?
• Many students just stop caring!
• More concern with status in lower grades

12
!!!!!

• These days, girls can gain status through their
  own abilities!
• Less common for groups/areas that have not
  accepted feminist ideals
• Most of this only applies to urban/suburban high
  schools

13
Solutions?