Investigating Time Poverty as a Contributor to Inequitable College Outcomes by Gender and Race/Ethnicity

• In Event: Enhancing Postsecondary Student Career and Outcomes

Abstract

This study explored the extent to which time poverty is predictive of college retention and academic momentum, and if differential time poverty rates mediate differential college outcomes for different groups. Time poverty strongly correlated with lower college retention and slower academic momentum; controlling for time poverty revealed hidden inequities by gender and explained some gaps by race/ethnicity. Women (compared to men) and Black and Hispanic students (compared to White and Asian students) spent a higher proportion of their discretionary time on their studies; this was largely explained by their higher amount of non-discretionary time commitments. Results indicate that inequitable distribution of time as a resource for college is a serious equity issue.

Authors

• Claire Wladis, Borough of Manhattan Community College

• Alyse C. Hachey, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Katherine Mary Conway, Borough of Manhattan Community College - CUNY

• Catherine A. Manly, Fairleigh Dickinson University