Can Neds (or Chavs) Be Non-delinquent,Educated or Even Middle Class? Contrasting Empirical Findings with Cultural Stereotypes

Abstract

Ned (non-educated delinquent) is the Scottish equivalent of the English term ‘Chav’. It refers stereotypically to low class, uneducated, raucous and antisocial youth and is linked to specific (sub)cultural markers, e.g. a preference for drinking the fortified wine ‘Buckfast’. Using a survey of over 3000 15-year-old school pupils from the West of Scotland, we investigated the association between adopting a Ned identity and socio-economic background, educational engagement, delinquency, peer-status and (sub)cultural markers. Some 15 per cent of pupils self-identified as a Ned. (Sub)cultural markers such as listening to hip-hop, peer-status, delinquency, educational disengagement and area deprivation were associated with adopting a Ned identity. This suggests greater evidence for agency or cultural influences than structural or socio-economic influences. Irrespective of socio-economic status a substantial minority of young people self-identify as ‘Neds’. Among explanations for this appeal are elevated peer-status, the attraction of non-conformity and the growth of ‘Chav pride’ within popular culture.