Structural mechanisms of educational aspirations of working-class students in elite universities in China

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Abstract

In the Chinese education context with an increasing opportunity for accessing university, the execution of educational aspirations plays a key process in early adolescent status attainment. This study examined the relationship between family SES, cultural capital, college adjustment, academic self-concept, educational aspirations and academic attainment among working-class students in Chinese elite universities (N=558). Using structural equation modeling, the results demonstrated direct effects of family SES on cultural capital and found that, the relation between family SES and educational aspirations were mediated by cultural capital, the relation between cultural capital and educational aspirations were mediated by college adjustment and academic self-concept. Theoretical contributions and practical implications were discussed.

Keywords: educational aspirations, cultural capital, college adjustment, academic self-concept, working-class students

Author

• Qi An, The University of Hong Kong