Subject effect
Sometimes increased tolerance may emerge through the application of more general
reasoning or ‘open-mindedness’ common to many subjects. Enid subconsciously feels
that her access course has changed her values:
“ It makes me look at people in a different way, really. I suppose I’m not so
judgemental either as I was because you tend to think about the reasoning
behind things more. ”
However, certain subject disciplines emerged as particularly influencing tolerance. In
particular humanities subjects, namely History and Sociology, were particularly
instrumental in changing values. When taught well, these subjects appear to be
associated with the upsetting of conventional historically- or culturally-specific
categories and enable individuals to engage in wider empathy with others.
Historical understanding of inequalities and resulting tolerance may have unexpected
results. One of our respondents, a young, unemployed black man in an area of
economic deprivation, had discovered the writings of Malcolm X through engagement
in a music course. This had given him a strong sense of black unity, which had led to
his withdrawal from gang activity in the area.
Sociology can also challenge categorisations through its subject matter:
“ Challenged my values? Yes, a hell of a lot. I was ... when I came here I was
very dogmatic about my beliefs. I didn’t approve of single mothers because of
my own life experiences. I didn’t think they could give a proper ... raise a child
properly. That is, having been surrounded by a lot of single mothers, I realised
isn’t the case. Learning sociology and looking at issues more intently, Ifound
really difficult at first. But obviously, when you look into things more deeper,
you know, yeah, you do have to take other things into perspective. ” (Gareth)
It may also lead to active debates concerning class or other forms of identity, which
may challenge the views of others:
“ Well there is a young girl on the sociology course that believed that all teenage
parents get pregnant to get a council house. Being a teenage mother myself I
don’t share the same opinion. So, no, we had a bit of a ... she’s just ... but then
she was young. She was only 17, so ... there’s the age difference as well. She’s
just ... because she’s seen it on telly or heard it, it’s the truth and she hasn’t. ”
(Gladys)
Elsewhere, however, Sociology was dismissed as meaningless and pretentious. One
respondent described herself as having written answers for the examination that she
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