The significance of being first: a consideration of cultural capital in relation to "first in family" student's choices of university and program

Luzeckyj, Ann, King, Sharron, Scutter, Sheila, and Brinkworth, Russell (2011) The significance of being first: a consideration of cultural capital in relation to "first in family" student's choices of university and program. International Journal of the First Year in Higher Education, 2 (2). pp. 91-96.

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Abstract

This presentation explores the differences between expectations of first in family students and students who have immediate family members (parents, care givers, or siblings) who have attended university before them. The authors draw on Bourdieu's notion of cultural capital to examine how being first in family influences student expectations. Data from a large survey of over 3,000 first year students conducted in 2010 across the three South Australian universities is used to explore the demographic make-up of first in family students, and the choices they make as to what type of university and program they enroll in. Based on qualitative and quantitative data, the authors compare choices of first in family students with those made by non-first in family students. Determining these differences provides opportunities for staff at universities to consider how they may better support students who have the ability, drive and determination to succeed at university but lack the cultural capital and may therefore be thwarted by unforeseen hurdles.

Item ID: 18340
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1838-2959
Date Deposited: 01 Dec 2011 04:27
FoR Codes: 13 EDUCATION > 1399 Other Education > 139999 Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9302 Teaching and Instruction > 930202 Teacher and Instructor Development @ 50%
93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9305 Education and Training Systems > 930599 Education and Training Systems not elsewhere classified @ 50%
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