Presence and Proximity: A Study of Rural School Students' Aspirations for Higher Education

• In Event: Rural Postsecondary Quandaries

Abstract

Access to higher education for students from rural areas remains an enduring concern in many parts of the world. In Australia, their under-representation is amplified by both vast distances and a preference among students to enrol in local universities. With the majority of Australian universities located in urban centers, students in rural areas face particular challenges. Drawing on data involving 6492 students in Years 3-12 this study uses Bourdieu’s concepts of social and cultural capital and Appadurai’s ‘capacity to aspire’ to compare the university aspirations of students living in rural and urban areas. The analysis provides important insight into the early formation of aspirations and need for targeted outreach to support the aspirations of students in rural areas.

Authors

• Jennifer M. Gore, The University of Newcastle

• Leanne Fray, The University of Newcastle

• Sally Patfield, The University of Newcastle

• Jess Harris, University of Newcastle

• Adam Lloyd, The University of Newcastle

• Max Smith, University of Newcastle

• Geoff Whitty, The University of Newcastle