Recognition, Transmission, Conversion, and Activation of Southeast Asian American Students’ Forms of Capital

• In Event: Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: Studies of Ethnic Diversity in Education

Abstract

This study examined how funds of knowledge and cultural capital and social capital frameworks influence the educational opportunities and experiences of Southeast Asian American (SEAA) students. The study highlights nuances of these concepts and identified key processes (e.g. recognition, conversion, transmission, activation/mobilization) in understanding if and how these mechanisms help SEAA students achieved academic goals. The study interviewed 30 SEAA college students in California and Minnesota. Qualitative software, Nvivo and Excel, were used to analyze data by conducting multiple level coding and descriptive statistics. Findings helped inform our understanding of SEAA students’ educational experiences specifically processes of recognition, transmission, conversion, and activation of capital resources in achieving academic goals. Also, findings helped inform stakeholders of ways to improve institution’s processes.

Author

• Krissyvan Khamvongsa Truong, Claremont Graduate University