Poster #23 - The "Lost Seekers" in Elite Universities: The Intersection of Family, Social, and University

• In Event: 51.082 - MTCC Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: 51.082-3 - Sociology of Education Posters

Abstract

This study focused on upper-middle class Chinese students who are failing in college, or namely “lost seekers”. According to Bourdieu’s cultural capital theory, children with rich cultural capital are more likely to achieve academic success. This study revealed why the theory does not work for some high-achievers in Chinese elite universities. We collected qualitative data from six “lost seekers” at two elite universities in Beijing. Through a grounded theory approach, we summarized three themes : from “high achievers” to “guys”, breaking into another filed, looking for the save haven. Findings of this study critically contribute to the application of cultural capital theory in a non-western context.

Authors

• Yiying Liu, Beijing Normal University

• Qiran Wang

• Yu Chen, Louisiana State University

• Yongjiu Kang, Beijing Normal University