Studies on school discipline have primarily examined t
he impact of exclusionary tactics throughout one's life, however, a recent study by a sociologist at the University at Buffalo reveals that a broader spectrum of disciplinary encounters, beyond just the harshest penalties, can have negative effects on the health and well-being of students in the future.
The research, published in the journal Emerging Adulthood, has identified three distinct patterns of discipline among college-educated emerging adults, who are less likely to face the harshest forms of discipline. This broader understanding of discipline, based on a unique group of young individuals, highlights the importance of considering the wider consequences of disciplinary practices.
While suspension and expulsion are commonly associated with the school-to-prison pipeline, this study suggests that the effects of these practices extend to college students as well, impacting their health rather than involving them in the criminal justice system.
To avoid the negative outcomes associated with these punishments and create a conducive learning environment, it is crucial to recognize the effects of discipline beyond punitive measures. Ashley Barr, Ph.D., an associate professor of sociology at the UB College of Arts and Sciences and the corresponding author of the study, emphasizes the need to rethink school discipline entirely.
Barr states, "The current generation of young adults witnessed a shift away from zero-tolerance policies in schools, but disparities based on race, class, gender, and ability still persist. It is time to broaden our understanding of school discipline. Focusing solely on expulsion and suspension fails to capture the majority of disciplinary practices experienced by students."
Further Reading:
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-young-adults-history-school-discipline.htmled