Directions from School

In this book the author investigates the influence of regional culture on decision making when considering post-school educational choices and directions from school. The data is provided by life story interviews with young people - aged eighteen to twenty years - who have followed four pathways from school in rural Lincolnshire. The work of Bourdieu is used as a theoretical perspective in the data analysis and conclusions. The research highlights the continued importance of family and community in the decision-making processes of young people. The nature of rurality as a social construct is discussed and conclusions offered as to its possible effect on preferred post-sixteen pathways. The data supports the conclusion that initiatives designed to increase participation rates in post-school education are having some effect but predominantly among young people predisposed through family and school culture to continuing education. The research will inform all those supporting young people as they consider their post-school choices; including career advisers, teachers' policy makers and social scientists.