Showing respect in school: what does it mean?

ABSTRACT

This article is a structured reflection on the notion of respect in school. It considers notions of respect, self-respect, ability, dependence, autonomy, compassion, and inequality, while at the same time analysing these fundamental notions through an institutional and sociological lens. The theoretical framework is due to Richard Sennett and the article makes a detailed application of Sennett’s work to the institution of school. It is a case study that is focused on stimulating insight, reflection, and discussion within the teaching profession and its professional bodies.

KEYWORDS:

• School teaching
• respect
• ability
• dependence
• autonomy
• inequality

Disclosure statement

The author is a high school teacher in the Queensland Department of Education, Australia. This work was not conducted under the Department’s patronage.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D. Goldson

D. Goldson graduated from Leeds University (UK) in 1983 with a BA (Hons) in history and philosophy and later from London University (UK) in 1990 with a PhD in computer science. He spent 15 years as an academic computer scientist in London, New Zealand, and Australia. For the last 12 years he has worked as a high school teacher of maths, science and English in a Queensland state school. His interests include the philosophy, sociology, and methodology of school improvement.