The Values and Character Dispositions of 14-16 Year Olds in the Hodge Hill Constituency

Below is a list of the role models that were written down by the students. Numbers in
brackets refer to frequency of mention

Mother (22)

Father (13)

Nelson Mandela (8)

David Beckham (7)

Martin Luther King (3)

Gandhi (2)

Bill Gates (2)

Sir Alan Sugar (2)

Richard Branson (1)

Mary Seacole (1)

Ryan Giggs (1)

Michael Essien (1)

and, the ‘Prophet’ (1).

2. Growing up where you live, what makes a successful person?

This prompt was intended to elicit notions of success without directly comparing it with
the ideal good character. This question allowed students to begin talking about the area in
which they live. Three main responses emerged. Working hard and the relation of desire
and hard work in tandem was the main general response (20 students). Seventeen
students said the ability to get on with people would make a successful person where they
lived.

A related response was the need to blend in with the group (13 students). Students
appeared to mean that adopting a low profile in difficult surroundings would equate to
being a successful person in those surroundings. Seven students thought that looking
good and wearing the right clothes indicated success, while two students mentioned
having the right car. These responses appeared straightforward and open.

3. In your eyes what do you think are the qualities that might make a good
rather than a successful person?

This item addressing good character rather than a successful one explicitly aimed to draw
out contrasts between goodness and success. The most important result was that students
had great difficulty in articulating this contrast. Phrases such as ‘I don’t get it’ and ‘what
are you talking about’ were common in student responses.

Coherent responses included the ability to socialise, intelligence and loyalty. There were
many and varied responses to this question. Those most cited were, in order, socialising
(16), intelligence (12), loyalty (9), friendliness (8), caring (8), keeping a low profile (7)
and respect (6).

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