ERIC Number: EJ825876
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Feb
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0197-6664
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Family Capital: How First-Generation Higher Education Students Break the Intergenerational Cycle
Gofen, Anat
Family Relations, v58 n1 p104-120 Feb 2009
Individuals who attain a higher education, whereas both their parents did not, embody the realization of social mobility. They are referred to as first-generation higher education students. Previous analyses had often portrayed them as succeeding despite their family background. This research suggests that although they face many challenges, their families are often facilitators of their success. In-depth, semistructured interviews were used to collect data from Israeli first-generation students (N= 50). We employed a grounded theory approach, and our analysis reveals that breaking the intergenerational cycle of educational level inheritance involves day-to-day family life that prioritizes education through nonmaterial resources. We conceptualized this investment of nonmaterial resources as family capital. A better understanding of this role is valuable for designing efficient policy.
Descriptors: Grounded Theory, First Generation College Students, Higher Education, Family Life, Family Characteristics, Social Mobility, Educational Attainment, College Students, Barriers, Family Influence, Interviews, Foreign Countries, Social Capital
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Israel
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A