The resources and strategies that 10-11 year old boys use to construct masculinities in the school setting

high price, and the ability to afford it: real training shoes were bought in real sports
shops with their higher associated symbolic value. We can also see Ollie’s recognition of
the transient nature of fashion.

It was ‘the look’, style, and expense of clothing that seemed to come before
considerations of practicability and/or comfort. Those who did not conform to the right
‘look’ at Westmoor Abbey were categorised as ‘other’, and this could lead to rejection
and/or peer-group ostracism. It was the whole look, the whole package, that was
required, and put simply, there was a cultural need to conform and perform to the
masculine boundaries in play. This was policed by the boys from the dominant groups: if
a Year 6 boy wore anything associated with the regulation school uniform, apart from the
sweat shirt, they would often be called either ‘boff’ or ‘gay’, and they were used on an

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