Exploring the relationship between first-generation status and educational pathways of Indian students

• In Event: Research In Progress Roundtable Session 5
  In Invited Roundtable: Research Perspectives on Student Motivation: Culture and Academic Outcomes (Table 7)

Abstract

Use of first-generation status as a social characteristic is recent and rare in Indian education research and non-existent in administrative operations. U.S. First-Generation Students (FGS) face disadvantages in accessing, persisting in, and excelling in college and require external systematic support. In my study of whether first-generation status affects Indian students’ academic pathways similar to what western research has found, I find that Indian FGS are less likely to choose Science and Commerce subjects that offer better job security. This is in contrast to the patterns observed in the U.S. My work attempts to apply Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital to a new context. It opens new avenues for research and motivates policy interventions in a developing country.

Author

• Rashi Agarwal, University of Texas at Austin