The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth

In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Robbins returned with The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth: Popularity, Quirk Theory and Why Outsiders Thrive After High School. The nonfiction book, which unconventionally flows like a YA novel, takes us inside the corridors of the nation’s schools to look at what popularity really means, and why it is so important to young people. Grounded in the latest social science, Robbins’ bestseller tracks the lives of young adults for one year to investigate the motivations and meaning of social marginalization.

Robbins propounds Quirk Theory, the principle that the very qualities for which students are excluded at school are the same qualities that make them successful in the wider world. In Chapter 1, Robbins introduces her cast of “characters,” students from across the country who are wrestling with labels from “geek” to “popular girl.” Robbins concludes Chapter 1 by asserting that these labels are “mental shortcuts” (42). Robbins cites these students’ experiences and the increasing number of child suicides to claim that “the shifting of labels into personality compartmentalization illustrates the increasing marginalization of students who don’t conform” (42). This completes Robbins’ picture of young people in schools, in which “bullying is up, self-esteem is down, and social welfare is fierce” (42).

In “Late Summer to Early Fall: The Popularity Myth,” Robbins uses social science findings to establish a dichotomy between “mean popular” and “nice popular.” “Popularity” in the regular use of the term is not synonymous with being liked, but has more to do with being visible, and engaging in manipulative and dominating behaviors. Robbins’ cast of “characters”—Noah from Pennsylvania, Regan in Georgia, Danielle from Illinois, and Joy in California—all wrestle with stigmatization in school, just for different reasons. In Chapter 3, “Why are Popular People Mean?”, Robbins distinguishes between overt and covert aggressions, and presents what some researchers have called the “popularity cycle,” or the use of defensive strategies (meanness) by popular students to defend their fragile position at the top of the hierarchy. Being a “bitch” is trending in popular culture. Popularity is closely linked not with inherent power, but with power over others. Blue from Hawaii and Eli from Virginia struggle with the disempowerment and rejection of being different. Regan, a teacher, battles homophobia among her peers. However, the wider world often appreciates people who are different.

In “Fall,” Robbins explains why Quirk Theory works. Suzanne, Laney, Allie, and Flor were all school outcasts but went on to attain success because they were secure in their individuality. Blue, Noah, Danielle, and Joy all struggle with loneliness at school. Even Whitney, a popular girl from New York, is bullied by her popular clique of friends. Robbins clarifies these dynamics with social science. Group polarization is an effect that leads groups to adopt more extreme positions than they would individually. Students often filter their perception of themselves through the group’s opinion (or what they imagine it to be), resulting in distortions and role-play. Group membership encourages individuals to sacrifice their autonomy and usual ethics. A Dutch study showed that social conflict produces error signals in the brain, causing us to conform even when the group is incorrect. Authenticity is a leadership quality, while integrity is one of the traits listed in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Courage is widely valued according to psychologists. Celebrities such as Drake, Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox, and Taylor Lautner were all outcasts at school.

In “Winter,” Robbins exposes some of the dangers of stigmatization in schools. Robbins challenges Blue, Danielle, Noah, and Whitney to widen their social circles and interact more fluidly with other groups of students. Social media sites have an ambivalent effect on students’ social lives. They can increase social capital but also exacerbate bullying. Regan and Joy accept their challenges to form new alliances with others. In the wake of disasters such as the Columbine shootings, some schools have contributed to social exclusion in schools by profiling “outsiders.” In fact, the killers were considered “popular” before the shootings. Students and even teachers face peer pressure to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, and take drugs. Parents can also contribute to their children’s low self-worth by encouraging conformity and prioritizing popularity over individuality. By doing so, Eli’s mother unintentionally pushes her son away.

“Late Winter to Early Spring” explores group psychology. The need to belong is profound in humans, for whom group membership has numerous evolutionary advantages. The oft-cited Robbers Cave study showed that an “us versus them” mentality formed between two groups whose members were arbitrarily selected. Joy, Blue, and Danielle all show independence. Middle school is especially challenging socially because social categories are being reorganized, rocking students’ personal security and making popularity all the more desirable. This subsides by the end of high school. Labels often stick because they are convenient. Groups form around an excluded “other,” yet nonconformists are powerful.

“Spring” brings major changes in the students’ lives. Whitney stands up to the popular clique, and Michael “comes out” to Blue. Schools exacerbate inequality among students because often their modus operandi is conformity. However, brain plasticity is highest in young adults. Students often solve the social problem for themselves by participating in a “category,” which allows for both belonging and differentiation.

“Late Spring to Early Summer” points out the downsides of popularity. Both the intense pressure to conform and the impaired ability to perform academically are associated with popularity, even if popularity offers desirable social benefits. Whitney feels more confident having shed her exclusive affiliation with the popular group. “Nerd” subcultures like Comic-Con and technology are now trending. Joy, Blue, and Danielle are flourishing now that they have diversified their social circles. Robbins offers action points for students, parents, and schools to counteract marginalization. Diverse groups perform better, according to research, which is why nonconformists are “vital to America’s culture and progress” (396).