"I Just Made It Work": Setbacks, Successes, and Support Stories of Working-Class Women and Degree Attainment

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Postsecondary Success Among Diverse Groups: From Transfer to Postgraduation Education and Earnings

Abstract

The obstacles facing working class women seeking post-secondary degrees remain essentially unchanged, despite increased access. The preeminence of commercialized feminism, however, introduces a new challenge which these women must address. Capitals found in their habitus of origin, as well as new capitals found in their blended habitus must be utilized. By analyzing the narrated experiences of eight working class women who have attained post-secondary degrees, the various support systems and methods by which they overcame these challenges were identified. Factoring in the neoliberal influence and strength of habitus, the deficit perspective of the working-class experience was challenged.

Author

• Michelle Wing, Barker Central School