The Influence of Social and Cultural Capital on Student Persistence

Introduction

Persistence occurs when a first-year student returns to regular enrollment status in the first semester of their sophomore year, being likely to graduate from the institution (Mallinckrodt & Sedlacek, 1987). There has been a shift in the theoretical framework towards an attempt to understand why some students persist and others do not. If student persistence is viewed through the lens of social reproduction theory, then there is an emphasis on early cultural experiences, i.e. social and cultural capital that is used to access different social levels within society (Longden, 2004). A review of the experiences of two students begins this chapter’s focus on the influence of social and cultural capital on student persistence.

Student A is approaching graduation, having maintained a 3.7 GPA as a sociology major. As a first-generation college student at a small private college located in the South, she had more personal challenges than academic. Her mother did not understand her change of major from business to sociology and believed she would not find a job. The notion of pursuing a graduate degree with student loans looming was nonsense. One of few Latinas on a predominately white campus, she felt she did not “fit in” at times, even in a sorority she co-founded with other minority women. The campus had few administrators of color, and programming related to diversity or campus events that connected to students of color was nonexistent. However, through her work-study job, she connected with a library staffer who became her confidant and supporter during her senior year. The beginning of the relationship was not easy; the student was reluctant to share her concerns about her courses, financial worries, and issues with her mom, with a woman who did not look like her. Yet, it was this relationship, her sorority sisters, and friendships with other students of color that she credits as support during her undergraduate years. When asked if this was her network, she smiled and said, “Yes, a network to get this degree!”

Student B is approaching graduation, having maintained a 4.0 as an engineering major in a prestigious University honors program. She is a second-generation college student, pursuing a career similar to her parents. She has concerns about finding a job because she has not completed an internship or research experience, opportunities that are looked upon as favorable by companies. After receiving a few rejections early in her undergraduate career, she became discouraged. To some, she is one of the “lucky” students as she had support from her parents and family, as well as access to the best classes and faculty, as a member of the University honors program. Yet as a student of color, she appears to be lonely and her comments confirm that notion. She has not connected with other students of color in the honors program, which is a very small group. She has not attended any of the engineering and University groups or programs for students of color because she does not feel as if she belongs. The University honors program does not provide activities for students outside of classes. Quiet by nature, her focus is on avoiding the “imposter syndrome.” When asked who was in her network, she ponders for a few minutes before responding, “Do I need a network?”

Much of the literature on student persistence has focused on theories of integration, involvement, and departure (Tinto, 1975; Bean, 1980; Astin, 1984). These theories are grounded in research that cites factors as such as finances, parental education, and student demographics (i.e. race, gender) contributing to the reason why students leave college. While these are important factors, they do not take into consideration the influence of capital (cultural and social) on a student’s ability to persist. If we consider capital as a measurement of an investment of resources, then both of the students reviewed have used various amounts on their path to graduation.