Faculty of Education

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The construction of art in the secondary classroom: an investigation of the theories of Pierre Bourdieu

Marotta, Aldo ( 1996)

This thesis examines aspects of the theories of Pierre Bourdieu as they apply to art education. The study investigates whether Bourdieu's theories are supported by the real life histories of teachers and students. The research utilises the life history approach to investigate three factors which Bourdieu argues are significant in determining a student's chances of success in art education. The three factors are the socio-economic background of the student, the way in which art education tends to construct correct ways of making art and viewing art, and the values of art and schooling as reproduced through the family. This thesis shows how complex the structures are which construct what is taught in schools, and argues that altering the way teachers teach art does not necessarily alter what is valued by the teacher within the art classroom. The thesis discusses the way boundaries are constructed for students and that these boundaries influence the way students make and talk about art. This thesis argues, therefore, that for students to be successful within art education they must adhere to the parameters set by the teachers and the school.