Working-Class College Students: Engagement, Belonging, and Social Capital

Abstract

Held at the annual American College Personnel Association convention, this presentation suggests that students who identify as working-class have lower social capital because they experience more difficulty finding classmates with whom to study, faculty/staff to help them navigate campus, and people on campus who share their backgrounds and experiences. Using Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) data, it was also discovered that working-class students have a lower sense of belonging compared to their middle/upper-class peers. Suggestions to create a welcoming campus climate for working-class students are included.