Formation of Social Capital for Community College Students: A Second-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach

• In Event: Understanding Educational Aspirations and Degree Attainment Among Community College Students

Abstract

This quantitative study explored the formation of different types of social capital among community college students. Utilizing second-order confirmatory factor analysis, we argue that both family social capital and college social capital should be considered when measuring students’ social capital after college enrollment. The structural equation modeling analysis further indicated that college social capital have stronger effect on degree aspiration compared to family social capital. Moreover, family social capital significantly impacted college social capital. Findings contributed to the literature by emphasizing family and college social capital under community college contexts. This study also emphasized the importance of institutional agents in promoting educational aspiration among underrepresented and underprepared students.

Authors

• Yu Chen, Iowa State University

• Soko S. Starobin, Iowa State University