History/Cause of Issue

Video of Roman Broadly Discussing Pierre Bourdieu's Theories of Capital and Habitus

A Brief History And Identifying The Problem

The issue of student engagement is a systemic one that has plagued education institutions for centuries. Dating back to the 1800s as Nietzsche discussed that, "Our public schools—established, it would seem, for this high object—have either become the nurseries of a reprehensible culture which repels the true culture with profound hatred—i.e., a true, aristocratic culture, founded upon a few carefully chosen minds; or they foster a micrological and sterile learning which, while it is far removed from culture, has at least this merit, that it avoids that reprehensible culture as well as the true culture." (Lecture 4, p. 92)

It is here where Nietzsche exclaims that the education system is more concerned with producing obedient and useful members of society rather than fostering true creativity and critical thinking. This continues to persist today, as the learning process and epistemology is an afterthought, while training and the factory school model persists to remain supreme, especially in working class schools.

Fast-forward to contempory society, Jean Anyon (1980) reveals how working-class students are pushed towards conformity, not creativity. Essentially, following John Locke's Tabula Rasa and how children are not subjects but objects that need to be shaped by adults. Meanwhile, in Executive/Affulent schools, students at a young age are engaging in independent research and complex discussions, fostering a sandbox environment for learning. The difference in future outcomes is vast as well, as one prepares students for stockworker jobs or similar, while the other prepares them for leading large corporations and advanced specialisized disciplines.

The students who are not subjugated within the parameters of the public educational are also given intellectual and physical freedom of expression and interaction within the school. As they are treated as responsible and capable individuals, thus comprehending the repercussions of tardiness, disinterest and other bad behaviours. As it will effect their own learning and future, and they comprehend that their instructors have their best interest in mind. From a young age, they become familiarized with presenting their findings, debating with classmates and truly learning the material in an engaging manner.

Where Does Gamification Stand In This

Finding modern research on the differences in socio-economic patterns between various classes of schools is challenging, often due to the intentional lack of transparency. This lack of information makes it difficult to understand how higher socio-economic class schools leverage technology in the epistemological process. However, this gap presents an opportunity to use gamification and online resources as disruptive innovations to improve education.

Pierre Bourdieu's theories of capital and habitus provide a useful framework for understanding how gamification can address these disparities. Bourdieu's concept of habitus refers to the ingrained behaviours and thinking patterns shaped by one's social environment. In lower socio-economic class schools, habitus often fosters conformity and obedience, whereas in higher socio-economic class schools, it encourages creativity and independent thinking.

By integrating gamification into education, we can disrupt the traditional habitus that perpetuates inequality. Gamified learning environments can make education more engaging and interactive, fostering a sense of curiosity and creativity in students from all backgrounds. This approach aligns with Bourdieu's idea of transforming cultural capital—knowledge, skills, and educational achievements—by providing all students with equal access to engaging, technology-enhanced learning experiences.

Gamification can also help in accumulating social capital by creating collaborative and interactive learning environments. Students can build networks and relationships through gamified platforms, enhancing their social capital and opening up new opportunities for academic and personal growth.

In summary, gamification stands as a promising tool to bridge the educational divide. It can transform the learning process by making it more inclusive, engaging, and adaptable to the needs of students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. This approach not only addresses the immediate issues of student engagement but also contributes to long-term social change by challenging the existing power structures in education.

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