| Edition |
First edition. |
| Description |
x, 436 pages ; 25 cm |
| Summary |
Journalist Robbins explores the ways group identity theories play out among cliques--and the students they exclude. The homogenization of the US education system has made outcasts more important than ever. In this conformist, creativity-stifling society, the innovation, courage, and differences of outcasts--nerds, weirdos, punks, etc.--are crucial to progress. |
| Contents |
Meet the cafeteria fringe -- Late summer to early fall: the popularity myth. Quirk theory and the secret of popularity ; Why are popular people mean? -- Fall: why quirk theory works. In the shadow of the freak tree ; It's good to be the cafeteria fringe -- Winter: outcast profiling and other dangers. Challenges ; Misperceptions -- Late winter to early spring: being excluded doesn't mean that anything's wrong with you. A brief introduction to group psychology ; Why labels stick : the motivations of the Normal Police -- Spring: quirk theory's origins : why these issues are hardest in school. Changing perceptions ; Two steps forward, one step back -- Late spring to early summer: popular vs. outcast. Popularity doesn't lead to happiness ; The rise of the cafeteria fringe ; Cafeteria fringe : lucky and free. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages [399]-433). |
| Subject |
Group identity.
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Conformity.
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Social isolation.
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Middle school students.
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High school students.
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| ISBN |
9781401302023 hardback $25.99 |
|
1401302025 hardback |
|
