On the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Status and Educational and Career Aspirations in the Middle Years of Schooling

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division G Section 2 Poster Session

Abstract

Strategies designed to increase the participation of youth from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds in higher education in Australia have had little impact. In order to investigate social influences on the emerging aspirations of students in the middle years, we used a ‘composite capital construct’ utilizing the theories of Bourdieu (1986) and Becker and Tomes (1986) to theoretically frame the investigation. This longitudinal study is gathering data over a four year period from students, teachers and parents from broadly varying social settings in order to understand the processes of the formation of educational and career aspirations and inform interventions in schools. Our data demonstrate both the early solidification of students’ aspirations and the significant, but complex, impact of socio-economic differences.

Authors

• Jennifer M. Gore, The University of Newcastle

• Erica Lee Southgate, The University of Newcastle

• Kathryn Holmes, The University of Newcastle

• Max Smith, University of Newcastle

• James J. Albright, The University of Newcastle

• Hywel Ellis, The University of Newcastle

• Nathan Berger, The University of Newcastle