Control and Consciousness in the Colleges

Abstract

This paper considers the socialisation of teachers through their professional training. Using a theoretical model derived from Bernstein's work on ritual, classification and framing, a comparative historical analysis is developed over three epochs, 1840 to 1875, 1960 to 1972 and 1972 to 1982. It is suggested that the mode of preparation in the first two epochs produced politically conservative teachers. However, the changes in teacher preparation consequent upon the 1972 rationalisations are thought to constitute a radical break with this tradition. It is argued that current practices in the preparing institutions in conjunction with changes in the occupational context of teaching may promote militant economic and political activity amongst teachers.