Students of Color From a Working-Class Background: A Qualitative Study on Their Experiences at a Private Predominately White Institution

• In Event: 14.043 - Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: 14.043-22 - Multicultural Multiethnic Education: Perspectives on Campus Climate and Culture in Higher Education

Abstract

This exploratory study examines the preliminary results of how social class shapes the experiences of students of color at private, predominantly white institution. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with undergraduate students of color. Findings indicate that students of color who identify as working class students feel considerable discomfort and feelings of hostility in the classroom, more so students find themselves working twice as hard, and being over involved as compared to their White peers. Although students describe negative experiences, students still feel as though their education in many ways can create economic equity in their communities.

Author

• Kenyon Whitman, University of San Diego