Examining Social Capital and Ambition in High School Student-Athletes

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session Fourteen
  In Roundtable Session: Class, Inequality, Sport, and Education (Table 18)

Abstract

Urban and rural high schools are considered “at risk” or “disadvantaged” due to low SES, high minority populations and low college enrollment. Considering that “student-athletes” are now being considered as non-traditional students in some research circles (Sedlacek, 1992), it is important to consider how this particular population of high schoolers navigates the world of high school using whatever social capital is available in their select group. Furthermore, given that there are over 8 million high school student athletes in the United States, understanding how social capital affects their ambitions for and attainment of postsecondary education is crucial for informing and possibly improving the achievement gaps in urban and rural settings.

Author

• Christel Rocha-Beverly, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author