Building Bridges and Breaking Bonds: Student-Mothers' Social Capital During the COVID-19 Pandemic

• In Event: The Impact of the Pandemic on Student Success

Abstract

Despite representing nearly one fifth of all U.S. undergraduates, student-parents are an often ignored campus population. This invisibility was heightened and exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading many to struggle with their academic and personal obligations. In this comparative case study of 23 student-mothers enrolled in higher education institutions in Georgia and New York, we explore the role of social capital in mitigating participants’ experiences. We suggest that participants who were able to draw on a variety of networks were better able to weather the challenges of the pandemic-year than those without such robust networks.

Authors

• Margaret W. Sallee, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Alyssa Stefanese Yates, American Council on Education