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Biometrics in Schools

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The Palgrave International Handbook of School Discipline, Surveillance, and Social Control

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the current state of knowledge of biometrics in schools. Initially it outlines different types, including ‘exotic biometrics’. Adoption rates, privacy concerns, and school administration are then discussed. The chapter next analyses social issues including growing school size, power, and control and the use of biometrics as a proxy for modernity and efficiency. Theories from Baudrillard, Foucault, and Bourdieu are compared in relation to the social control of children at school. The chapter then presents a theory of social exchange in school biometrics, derived from earlier work by Homans. Finally, the chapter identifies new theoretical avenues for enquiry, particularly with regard to digital privacy and trust for children and young people in an era of urbanization and big data.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    In this chapter the word “identity” should be read in the sociological context rather than its conventional meaning in terms of biometric identification.

  2. 2.

    Fingerprint.

  3. 3.

    http://tesla-project.eu

  4. 4.

    Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track tags attached to objects, including clothing.

  5. 5.

    The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system placed into orbit by the US Department of Defense.

  6. 6.

    CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a system where signals are not publicly broadcast but are monitored for surveillance and security.

  7. 7.

    An excellent account of perceived relationships between social class, family display and lunchbox preparation can be seen in Harman and Cappellini (2015).

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Emmeline Taylor, David Scott, Juliet Lodge and John Beck for their useful advice and comments in relation to a previous version of this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCL Institute of Education, London, UK

    Sandra Leaton Gray

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  1. Sandra Leaton Gray
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Law, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

    Jo Deakin

  2. Department of Sociology, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom

    Emmeline Taylor

  3. Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Newark, USA

    Aaron Kupchik

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Leaton Gray, S. (2018). Biometrics in Schools. In: Deakin, J., Taylor, E., Kupchik, A. (eds) The Palgrave International Handbook of School Discipline, Surveillance, and Social Control. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71559-9_21

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71559-9_21

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-71559-9

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