(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

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.

Robert Savelle, Durham College

Crossing Boundaries: Inter-Institutional Collaboration in Post-Secondary Education

This presentation aims to document the preliminary stages of an inter-institutional collaboration between post-secondary colleges in Canada and Wales. The objectives of this inter-institutional collaboration are: 1) to connect post-secondary faculty from different parts of the world to seek areas of commonality between their colleges and their students; and 2) to connect students from increasingly diverse post-secondary institutions with one another. Ultimately, the goal of this collaboration is to integrate learning outcomes within a unique college course to facilitate a learning opportunity and experience for students in another country within their program of study.

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.