TY - JOUR
T1 - Family capital
T2 - How first-generation higher education students break the intergenerational cycle
AU - Gofen, Anat
PY - 2009/2
Y1 - 2009/2
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - Family relations
KW - Higher education
KW - Intergenerational issues
KW - Qualitative research
KW - Social capital
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=58849130565&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2008.00538.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1741-3729.2008.00538.x
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AN - SCOPUS:58849130565
SN - 0197-6664
VL - 58
SP - 104
EP - 120
JO - Family Relations
JF - Family Relations
IS - 1
ER -