My younger cousin attended a small, alternative, mixed age high school. It seemed quite pleasant. Students interacted with teachers like they would with parents' friends. They'd make themselves a cuppa and chat like regular people during breaks. The social dynamic of mixed age groups was notably unschoolish too. I had hated school, so I was quite impressed.
I'm inclined to think that a lot what we think of as how schools are, socially is a product of age segregation. Narcissism of Small Differences comes to mind.
That said, I don't think there is a single solution for all. The reality is that a lot of kids have a very rough time at schools for a lot of reasons, and we consistently underestimate how bad that can be.
Another point stood out to me here: "High school is often considered a definitive American experience...."
Besides high school, this could be college relationships, marriage, motherhood, sex life, career, etc. Our idealisations often seem to oppress us. When life doesn't live up to 90210, or Hackers and Painters, or Sex in The City... its an unbearable failure.
IDK what the solutions are. Ideals are inspiring as well as oppressive. I think with "psychology" broadly, it isn't always necessary to deal with every problem head on. Healthier relationships, decrease the risk of drug addiction, for example. We need healthier schools, broadly.
Sure, and I actually think the artistic antithesis is quite important. That said, even depictions of high school losers usually still depict an idealisation. Despite being outcast, the protagonist still has their tight knit friendship group, love interest, etc. If that doesn't materialize, there's a profound sense of loss.. grief even.
I'm inclined to think that a lot what we think of as how schools are, socially is a product of age segregation. Narcissism of Small Differences comes to mind.
That said, I don't think there is a single solution for all. The reality is that a lot of kids have a very rough time at schools for a lot of reasons, and we consistently underestimate how bad that can be.
Another point stood out to me here: "High school is often considered a definitive American experience...."
Besides high school, this could be college relationships, marriage, motherhood, sex life, career, etc. Our idealisations often seem to oppress us. When life doesn't live up to 90210, or Hackers and Painters, or Sex in The City... its an unbearable failure.
IDK what the solutions are. Ideals are inspiring as well as oppressive. I think with "psychology" broadly, it isn't always necessary to deal with every problem head on. Healthier relationships, decrease the risk of drug addiction, for example. We need healthier schools, broadly.