Reddit reviews Freaks, Geeks, and Cool Kids

There was a really good book called "Freaks, Geeks and Cool Kids"

http://www.amazon.com/Freaks-Geeks-Cool-Murray-Milner/dp/041595391X

It examined the social dynamics of popularity and 'cliches' in high schools. It essentially viewed high schools as a 'caste society' as students are less concerned with 'real world' economic pressures of work but rather encased in a closed system lacking the freedom to choice who they go to school with, their teachers, classes, etc. Money is still influential though in area of fashion, tech gadgets, cars, . . . being able to participate in expensive sports like lacrosse or afford marching band instruments, uniforms, etc.

What I really liked is how it looked at social rituals as reinforcing social bonds while excluding others. I think it touched on Pierre Bourdieu's 'cultural capital' but not as much as I would have liked.