(EDU2c) Sociology of Education in Higher Education Institutions III

This session features papers that draw on empirical, theoretical, or methodological issues in the realm of Higher Education. Cross-listed with the Canadian Association of Sociology of Education (CASE). Tags: Education

Organizers: Cathlene Hillier, Crandall University, Maria Brisbane, University of Waterloo; Chair: Maria Brisbane, University of Waterloo

Presentations

Jennifer Weerasinghe, York University

Conceptualizing Students' Identities in College Admissions Essays

This paper explores the identification of students identities in Californias college admissions essays, exploring their narratives in the absence of affirmative action policies. This paper investigates how applicants convey identity narratives, drawing from a pool of 165,000 individuals who submitted essays in Fall 2017. Incorporating social identity, intersectionality, performativity, and narrative identity theories, it dissects linguistic strategies. This paper suggests the need for more computational studies on identity in college admissions. Beyond theoretical contributions, it aims to guide diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in education, providing insights for admissions and offering broader social perspectives on identity in evolving educational landscapes.

Jacqueline Villanueva, Western University

Alternative Routes, Shared Destinations: Degree pathways for student-parents using the NLSY97

Horace Mann touted education as the greatest equalizer, transcending social barriers. However, barriers to postsecondary education hinder its equalizing potential for underserved and non-traditional students, in particular, for those who are parents. This study investigates bachelors degree completion rates among student-parents in the United States compared to non-parents using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997. Preliminary findings suggest a negative relationship between parental status and degree completion. This research aims to shed light on challenges faced by student-parents in higher education, emphasizing the need for greater support for this vulnerable population within the evolving educational landscape.

Julia Dhillon, University of British Columbia

"As a Minority…": Exploring 1.5 and 2nd generation Asian-Canadian Immigrant Women's Experiences Navigating Higher Education Institutions' Commodification of Diversity

Universities continuously perform commitments to foster diversity as a capitalist accumulation strategy. But, there appears to be a lack of literature on how individuals navigate higher education institutions’ commodification of diversity. My research fills this gap by exploring how six 1.5 and 2nd-generation Asian-Canadian immigrant women responded to The Peter A. Allard School of Law’s diversity question through a content analysis of their written responses and corresponding semi-structured interviews. In expanding existing knowledge of the mechanisms of diversity discourse within the context of higher education institutions, my research may offer insight into how universities can better foster diversity.