British Asian Women and the Costs of Higher Education in England

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Race, Gender, and Leadership

Abstract

In England (UK) the new Coalition government introduced tuition fees for universities in the academic year 2011/2012. Previous research has shown that an increase in student fees will further marginalise those from disadvantaged backgrounds from attending universities (University of Leicester 2010). This paper will use data from 30 in-depth interviews with British Asian women to examine their views and attitudes towards financial support whilst attending university. It will explore the cultural and religious factors associated with the financial costs of attending university. The paper will also explore how Asian women draw upon social and ethnic capital as sources of support which enables their success in higher education.

Author

• Kalwant Bhopal, University of Southampton